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Former Heisman winner praises Jaxson Dart for preseason performance
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Former Heisman winner praises Jaxson Dart for preseason performance

Former NFL quarterback and Heisman winner Robert Griffin III took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and praised rookie New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart for his performance in Saturday's 34-25 preseason win over the Buffalo Bills.

"The New York Giants have to be happy with what they saw from Jaxson Dart. He made plays with his legs, manipulated the pocket to find throwing lanes and wasn't afraid to let that dog hunt pushing the ball down the field. Great star for the rebel", Griffin III wrote.

Dart was drafted 25th overall in this year's NFL Draft after having an impressive final season with the Ole Miss Rebels. Dart tossed for 4,279 yards (led-SEC), 29 touchdowns and averaged 10.8 yards per pass attempt (all stats are career-highs). The 22-year-old earned first-team All-SEC honors and led the Rebels to a 10-3 record. 

Dart is touted for his ability to be a solid threat not only through the air but also on the ground. The first-round pick possesses a stocky 6-foot-2 build, which allows him to muster tough yardage with his legs if need be and is good at making reads. The former Ole Miss quarterback is also solid with decision-making and showcases competent accuracy. 

As Griffin stated in his social media post, Dart displayed those attributes in his first experience in NFL action. Dart went 12-of-19 for 154 yards and one touchdown during his time under center.

In this play, Dart threw an accurate deep pass to wideout Lil'Jordan Humphrey for his first NFL touchdown. Dart took a hit as he released the football, which demonstrated poise and patience. The ball was also placed where only Humphrey could haul it in under good defensive coverage. Overall, Dart exhibited his strong arm, fortitude in the pocket, and solid accuracy in the clip. 

It remains to be seen if Dart will see action during the actual season, as veteran quarterback Russell Wilson took the start during today's game and will also likely start when the season commences. 

However, Dart was the second overall quarterback in the NFL Draft to be selected behind first overall pick quarterback Cam Ward. It is safe to say the Giants see Dart as their long-term solution at quarterback. 

The Giants' quarterback room consists of Jameis Winston, Tommy DeVito, Wilson and Dart. Winston is a reliable backup at this point in his career, DeVito has shown flashes of being a decent starter but was never consistent, and Wilson is on a one-year deal and will be 37 years old during the season. 

Dart being able to sit and be around a crop of veterans will be substantial for his growth and his eventual role as the leading man for the New York Giants. 

If Saturday was any indication of what he can do, then the Giants should feel good about the future. 

King Hunter

Kingsley Hunter is a journalist from Chesapeake, Virginia. He is known for his upbeat, engaging personality. Kingsley has written for various well-known sports news sites, having covered the NBA, NFL and college football

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