Jaxson Dart met with Saints before Pro Day ; Saints work out Kyle McCord & Hunter Dekker

[sammymvpknight]

I’m not. The only way I see us taking Dart, is to get ahead of the grooming process, so he can take over next year. I don’t think it’s a Dart thing, I just think they want a QB this year. So, despite them liking him, it could also be a forced pick to a degree. Which I don’t care for. There’s nothing wrong with signing a vet QB and then drafting one next year. You never know, Rattler could win them over, and he would be in his 3rd year by then, and already groomed. We have too many needs to be forcing a QB in the 1st. A top 10 pick could net you a guy who can play right away.

I’d love the ability to have Dart sit for a year while we’re contracturally tied to Carr. I’m really tired of this shortsighted “one player away” mentality. You shouldn’t draft a QB for year one returns…that’s stupid. That mentality has prevented us from having a franchise QB at this point. At some point you have to invest and groom a young QB. I’m not a believer in Rattler. And the writing is on the wall for Carr. We have other holes…which is even more reason to invest in a QB now, because there is no player we draft at #9 that’s going to change our fate this year.

 

[SweetT]

I’d love the ability to have Dart sit for a year while we’re contracturally tied to Carr. I’m really tired of this shortsighted “one player away” mentality. You shouldn’t draft a QB for year one returns…that’s stupid. That mentality has prevented us from having a franchise QB at this point. At some point you have to invest and groom a young QB. I’m not a believer in Rattler. And the writing is on the wall for Carr. We have other holes…which is even more reason to invest in a QB now, because there is no player we draft at #9 that’s going to change our fate this year.

I see your point, but at what point are we possibly going to “force” this pick? Let’s be honest, no one had Dart as a 1st rd pick, a top 10 at that, during the season. What I see is, we really like this guy, but feel like he would never make it past the Giants or Browns in rd 2, so we would either have to take him at #9 (which is forcing), or (and this is what I would do), is make a trade back into the 1st, with the Eagles at pick #32. CKM obviously just came over from there, so there should be great dialogue, and they love to trade with us, and their team is already stacked, with the possibility of adding more draft capital to keep their train moving. Plus, we could stick it to Cleveland/NY, and still have Dart on that 1st rd rookie contract. There are a lot of things to like about Dart, but there are also some things to not like about him.

 

[tyler735]

Did a deep dive on Sheduer Sanders the other day to try to convince myself that he'd be a good pick, but just couldn't get there with him. Saw him compared to Andy Dalton since then and it basically confirmed my thoughts on him. He just doesn't possess the elite traits or positional awareness to be a top tier NFL QB.

Since then I've started to dig deeper on Jaxson Dart. I still don't love the idea of taking him at pick #9. I think we can get a top tier player at that spot such as Jeanty, McMillan, Warren, or an OL. However, I've gotten to the point where I don't mind the idea of taking Dart at pick #40 or trading up (Pick #40 and 2026 draft pick or 2) into the back end of the first round to get him. I like keeping pick #9 to grab more of a "sure thing" type prospect like the players I mentioned above, but to grab Dart after would be a decent option for the Saints. There is enough to like about Dart to think he could potentially develop into a good NFL QB. He's shown noticeable growth in each season as a starting QB for Ole Miss and is still only 21 years old. I think there more room for him to continue to grow as a player vs some of the other top QB's in the draft.

Another thing I notice while watching Dart, was it reminded me how much I like Tre Harris as a prospect at WR. I mentioned months ago that I thought he was one of the best WR prospects in this draft and wouldn't be surprised if he ends up as the best of the bunch in this WR class. If we don't get Tetairoa at pick 9, I'd love to see the Saints leave this draft with Tre Harris if he falls past pick 40.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

I’d love the ability to have Dart sit for a year while we’re contracturally tied to Carr. I’m really tired of this shortsighted “one player away” mentality. You shouldn’t draft a QB for year one returns…that’s stupid. That mentality has prevented us from having a franchise QB at this point. At some point you have to invest and groom a young QB. I’m not a believer in Rattler. And the writing is on the wall for Carr. We have other holes…which is even more reason to invest in a QB now, because there is no player we draft at #9 that’s going to change our fate this year.

Yes. I'm a big fan of QB's sitting a year no matter where they come from, where they're drafted, or how good in college they are. Dart specifically needs time to adapt to the NFL. Everything is there from leadership to physical capabilities and football IQ (supposedly) but he does lack experience in an NFL style offense. I do think Warren or Jeanty would elevate this offense this year, but theres greater value in finding a franchise QB for the next decade.

I see your point, but at what point are we possibly going to “force” this pick? Let’s be honest, no one had Dart as a 1st rd pick, a top 10 at that, during the season. What I see is, we really like this guy, but feel like he would never make it past the Giants or Browns in rd 2, so we would either have to take him at #9 (which is forcing), or (and this is what I would do), is make a trade back into the 1st, with the Eagles at pick #32. CKM obviously just came over from there, so there should be great dialogue, and they love to trade with us, and their team is already stacked, with the possibility of adding more draft capital to keep their train moving. Plus, we could stick it to Cleveland/NY, and still have Dart on that 1st rd rookie contract. There are a lot of things to like about Dart, but there are also some things to not like about him.

Not true. I've been beating the Dart horn for a few months now. Anyone who's watched Sanders, Dart, Nuss, Allar and Ewers consistently could see the potential Dart has. He was greater then all of them on the field with an offense lacking talent. Ole Miss just wasn't in the media hype train like Colorado, Penn State or Texas.

On top of that, that's not how the draft works. We see it every year. Plenty of players fall a few or even several rounds. Some players are taken a few rounds sooner. QB isn't much different because its typically in a constant spot light but we see how the media gets it wrong even there. We saw this with Bo Nix and Penix last year. We also watched it happen with Sam Howell who was slated to be a 2nd round pick and ended up being selected with the 1st pick in the 5th round in 2022.

It seems many here hold the media's rankings as gospel, and that's extremely odd to me because they are always far, far off. Just one example and I chose this one because of the subject of Dart. Many claim he has a weak arm. But they're wrong. Dart Highlights. 2:23 you see a throw across his body. I'm not sure what sports you've played or if you've ever tried that throw, but weak arms can't do that. Average arms can't do that either. Even trying that throw with a baseball or softball, you see a lot of players lose significant velocity, and a football which is bigger and heavier makes it obvious. Yet if you compare his velocity on that throw to most of his other throws, you see that he holds back velocity commonly for touch on a throw. That's not to be scoffed at. All of the greats do that too.

Did a deep dive on Sheduer Sanders the other day to try to convince myself that he'd be a good pick, but just couldn't get there with him. Saw him compared to Andy Dalton since then and it basically confirmed my thoughts on him. He just doesn't possess the elite traits or positional awareness to be a top tier NFL QB.

I've watched about every other game of his since 2023, and he's going to struggle in the NFL a lot. He's just not elite at all. He was massively hyped up the media consistently even in bad games against bad defenses. I believe this was mostly because of his blood line and who is coach was. Everyone found interest in the QB son/HOF NFL player as head coach who happened to be a Dallas Cowboy during the height of the franchise whether they were rooting for success or failure. Loads of drama and the media loves reporting on drama. It garners the most income and views.

Since then I've started to dig deeper on Jaxson Dart. I still don't love the idea of taking him at pick #9. I think we can get a top tier player at that spot such as Jeanty, McMillan, Warren, or an OL. However, I've gotten to the point where I don't mind the idea of taking Dart at pick #40 or trading up (Pick #40 and 2026 draft pick or 2) into the back end of the first round to get him. I like keeping pick #9 to grab more of a "sure thing" type prospect like the players I mentioned above, but to grab Dart after would be a decent option for the Saints. There is enough to like about Dart to think he could potentially develop into a good NFL QB. He's shown noticeable growth in each season as a starting QB for Ole Miss and is still only 21 years old. I think there more room for him to continue to grow as a player vs some of the other top QB's in the draft.

Another thing I notice while watching Dart, was it reminded me how much I like Tre Harris as a prospect at WR. I mentioned months ago that I thought he was one of the best WR prospects in this draft and wouldn't be surprised if he ends up as the best of the bunch in this WR class. If we don't get Tetairoa at pick 9, I'd love to see the Saints leave this draft with Tre Harris if he falls past pick 40.

Dart just isn't going to be there second round. The media is way off on this. Dart is viewed by the majority of the NFL as a franchise QB and he won't make it past the Steelers @21. In truth, I don't even believe the Steelers will wait till 21. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to move up for him. Dart is a lock for top 15. If this draft had a lot of expectational talent in quantity, he may have lasted till the end of the first round or early second round. But that's just not the case. There's only 4 superb talented players in this draft (Carter, Graham, Jeanty and Warren) and rumored to be 12 players with a first round grade by teams. Which means by pick 13, teams will be selecting 2nd round graded talent. This will likely have significant impact on when premium positions are mostly selected, which are usually QB, LT and EDGE. The mock drafts and rankings don't reflect this and never do.

 

[sammymvpknight]

Yes. I'm a big fan of QB's sitting a year no matter where they come from, where they're drafted, or how good in college they are. Dart specifically needs time to adapt to the NFL. Everything is there from leadership to physical capabilities and football IQ (supposedly) but he does lack experience in an NFL style offense. I do think Warren or Jeanty would elevate this offense this year, but theres greater value in finding a franchise QB for the next decade.



Not true. I've been beating the Dart horn for a few months now. Anyone who's watched Sanders, Dart, Nuss, Allar and Ewers consistently could see the potential Dart has. He was greater then all of them on the field with an offense lacking talent. Ole Miss just wasn't in the media hype train like Colorado, Penn State or Texas.

On top of that, that's not how the draft works. We see it every year. Plenty of players fall a few or even several rounds. Some players are taken a few rounds sooner. QB isn't much different because its typically in a constant spot light but we see how the media gets it wrong even there. We saw this with Bo Nix and Penix last year. We also watched it happen with Sam Howell who was slated to be a 2nd round pick and ended up being selected with the 1st pick in the 5th round in 2022.

It seems many here hold the media's rankings as gospel, and that's extremely odd to me because they are always far, far off.


I've watched about every other game of his since 2023, and he's going to struggle in the NFL a lot. He's just not elite at all. He was massively hyped up the media consistently even in bad games against bad defenses. I believe this was mostly because of his blood line and who is coach was. Everyone found interest in the QB son/HOF NFL player as head coach who happened to be a Dallas Cowboy during the height of the franchise whether they were rooting for success or failure. Loads of drama and the media loves reporting on drama. It garners the most income and views.



Dart just isn't going to be there second round. The media is way off on this. Dart is viewed by the majority of the NFL as a franchise QB and he won't make it past the Steelers @21. In truth, I don't even believe the Steelers will wait till 21. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to move up for him. Dart is a lock for top 15. If this draft had a lot of expectational talent in quantity, he may have lasted till the end of the first round or early second round. But that's just not the case. There's only 4 superb talented players in this draft (Carter, Graham, Jeanty and Warren) and rumored to be 12 players with a first round grade by teams. Which means by pick 13, teams will be selecting 2nd round graded talent. This will likely have significant impact on when premium positions are mostly selected, which are usually QB, LT and EDGE.

If Jeanty or Warren are available at #9, I’m not fielding trade offers. I’m running the card to the podium to turn in the card. But I highly doubt they’ll be there. If an idiot like me knows that they will be superstar, at least one team ahead of the Saints will as well.

 

[DavidM]

I see your point, but at what point are we possibly going to “force” this pick? Let’s be honest, no one had Dart as a 1st rd pick, a top 10 at that, during the season. What I see is, we really like this guy, but feel like he would never make it past the Giants or Browns in rd 2, so we would either have to take him at #9 (which is forcing), or (and this is what I would do), is make a trade back into the 1st, with the Eagles at pick #32. CKM obviously just came over from there, so there should be great dialogue, and they love to trade with us, and their team is already stacked, with the possibility of adding more draft capital to keep their train moving. Plus, we could stick it to Cleveland/NY, and still have Dart on that 1st rd rookie contract. There are a lot of things to like about Dart, but there are also some things to not like about him.

I think because QB is the most important position, that teams have to allow a little more leeway in how they draft one. I think grade and draft position matter, but with some allowance for bending more if necessary.

It wouldn't make sense for a team with the #1 overall to take a QB graded much later in the 1st round, because that pick has so much value which brings with it more flexibility in trading back and still getting your player.

After the first five picks or so, subjectivity starts to go up with each subsequent selection. If a team has a first round grade on a QB and they aren't sure they can get him later, it can make sense to take a chance. Trades, especially as pick value declines, become more unpredictable. It's great to say the Saints could just trade back into the first, but it takes a willing partner to make that happen. If you like a QB enough, you're then gambling on the decision-making of another team whether you get him.

All of that, of course, requires that the team thinks highly enough about the player and his potential to develop into a quality starter. Hopefully with the amount of NFL QB experience we have on staff, they can make a sound determination if it's worth it or better to play their hand differently.

I'm not completely sold on Dart, either. I like his physical skillset but have some other reservations. If the team goes through their process and they feel good about the pick at #9, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. As much as I'd prefer Ward, all things considered, that's going to be an expensive deal for a team that would benefit from beefing up the roster over the next 2-3 drafts in the top rounds.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

If Jeanty or Warren are available at #9, I’m not fielding trade offers. I’m running the card to the podium to turn in the card. But I highly doubt they’ll be there. If an idiot like me knows that they will be superstar, at least one team ahead of the Saints will as well.

I would do the same. Dart doesn't scream generational franchise QB (I could be wrong, but I think he's more like a Mayfield then he is a Burrow for a ceiling and he will be a bit slow to reach that ceiling the same way Mayfield was) but Warren and Jeanty do in their respective positions. Take one of em and look to find a franchise QB next year.

 

[Hedon James]

I would do the same. Dart doesn't scream generational franchise QB (I could be wrong, but I think he's more like a Mayfield then he is a Burrow for a ceiling and he will be slow to reach that ceiling the same way Mayfield was) but Warren and Jeanty do in their respective positions. Take one of em and look to find a franchise QB next year.

I hear your logic, but the bar is a different height for me. I'm fine with taking any player at your slotted pick, that you think will be a long-term quality starter. If it's the first, you better believe they’ll be a top 10 or 15 player at their position. Save the trade up for the generational talent that you think may be HOF worthy some day. If you don't think that, stay put or trade back. JMO on the tiers of "action" in the draft.

 

[SweetT]

Yes. I'm a big fan of QB's sitting a year no matter where they come from, where they're drafted, or how good in college they are. Dart specifically needs time to adapt to the NFL. Everything is there from leadership to physical capabilities and football IQ (supposedly) but he does lack experience in an NFL style offense. I do think Warren or Jeanty would elevate this offense this year, but theres greater value in finding a franchise QB for the next decade.



Not true. I've been beating the Dart horn for a few months now. Anyone who's watched Sanders, Dart, Nuss, Allar and Ewers consistently could see the potential Dart has. He was greater then all of them on the field with an offense lacking talent. Ole Miss just wasn't in the media hype train like Colorado, Penn State or Texas.

On top of that, that's not how the draft works. We see it every year. Plenty of players fall a few or even several rounds. Some players are taken a few rounds sooner. QB isn't much different because its typically in a constant spot light but we see how the media gets it wrong even there. We saw this with Bo Nix and Penix last year. We also watched it happen with Sam Howell who was slated to be a 2nd round pick and ended up being selected with the 1st pick in the 5th round in 2022.

It seems many here hold the media's rankings as gospel, and that's extremely odd to me because they are always far, far off.


I've watched about every other game of his since 2023, and he's going to struggle in the NFL a lot. He's just not elite at all. He was massively hyped up the media consistently even in bad games against bad defenses. I believe this was mostly because of his blood line and who is coach was. Everyone found interest in the QB son/HOF NFL player as head coach who happened to be a Dallas Cowboy during the height of the franchise whether they were rooting for success or failure. Loads of drama and the media loves reporting on drama. It garners the most income and views.



Dart just isn't going to be there second round. The media is way off on this. Dart is viewed by the majority of the NFL as a franchise QB and he won't make it past the Steelers @21. In truth, I don't even believe the Steelers will wait till 21. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to move up for him. Dart is a lock for top 15. If this draft had a lot of expectational talent in quantity, he may have lasted till the end of the first round or early second round. But that's just not the case. There's only 4 superb talented players in this draft (Carter, Graham, Jeanty and Warren) and rumored to be 12 players with a first round grade by teams. Which means by pick 13, teams will be selecting 2nd round graded talent. This will likely have significant impact on when premium positions are mostly selected, which are usually QB, LT and EDGE. The mock drafts and rankings don't reflect this and never do.

I watched a lot of Ole Miss games and read a lot of college sports news. No one was calling Dart a 1st rd pick during the season. Especially not a top 10 pick. If we do take him, then I would just have to roll with it.

 

[tyler735]

I've watched about every other game of his since 2023, and he's going to struggle in the NFL a lot. He's just not elite at all. He was massively hyped up the media consistently even in bad games against bad defenses. I believe this was mostly because of his blood line and who is coach was. Everyone found interest in the QB son/HOF NFL player as head coach who happened to be a Dallas Cowboy during the height of the franchise whether they were rooting for success or failure. Loads of drama and the media loves reporting on drama. It garners the most income and views.

Yep I just don't see it with Sanders. If his dad wasn't Deion Sanders, we likely aren't talking about him as a potential top 10 pick.

Dart just isn't going to be there second round. The media is way off on this. Dart is viewed by the majority of the NFL as a franchise QB and he won't make it past the Steelers @21. In truth, I don't even believe the Steelers will wait till 21. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to move up for him. Dart is a lock for top 15.

It's possible that Dart goes top 15, but far from a lock. The Steelers might take him at 21, but you can't discount the interest in Milroe whether you or I like him or not. There appears to be some real interest there, which to an extent "I get it". If a head coach think they can get the most out of his rare physical talents then he's definitely in play for that team. Much like the Colts took a gamble on Richardson a couple years ago despite the obvious red flags. This isn't to say I think Milroe is a lock to go at 21, but if Mike Tomlin wants him on Day 2 to develop behind a guy like Rodgers (or whoever they end up with at QB) I won't be surprised.

If this draft had a lot of expectational talent in quantity, he may have lasted till the end of the first round or early second round. But that's just not the case. There's only 4 superb talented players in this draft (Carter, Graham, Jeanty and Warren) and rumored to be 12 players with a first round grade by teams. Which means by pick 13, teams will be selecting 2nd round graded talent. This will likely have significant impact on when premium positions are mostly selected, which are usually QB, LT and EDGE. The mock drafts and rankings don't reflect this and never do.

Yeah Hunter is also a top tier talent in this class. The one I'm not convinced of is Graham. Size wasn't as advertised, athleticism doesn't look to be elite for the position, and production didn't jump off the page either. I'm very close to putting Cam Ward in that top tier group as well. He's a no brainer for me if his "Turnover Worthy Play" was slightly lower. I still have him as the 5th best overall prospect (not factoring positional value) behind Jeanty, Carter, Hunter, and Warren. If anything the "lack of first round talent" will make it easier for the Saints to trade back into the the first round for Dart if need be as those future high round picks will be more valuable to teams.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

I watched a lot of Ole Miss games and read a lot of college sports news. No one was calling Dart a 1st rd pick during the season. Especially not a top 10 pick. If we do take him, then I would just have to roll with it.

Me. I was. I called him a first round pick for awhile, then changed my tune early January to possible top 10. But let's be honest with ourselves. I'm a nobody and nobody listens to nobodies. Now if this was baseball or softball and not on a forum, things would be different and I'd have quite a few people listening to me.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

On a side note, I'm going to go ahead and make a daring call.

I believe the Saints will be looking to trade up for Jeanty and try to make that happen. If it fails, they will be looking at Dart. Now I have a tough time placing where that would be. If its trading up or staying @9. But right now I have this gut feeling those are two of the three plays being most considered. The 3rd is Warren, and like Dart I have trouble figuring what they're looking at doing whether its trade up or stay @9. I also have trouble deciding if its a preference over Dart or not.

But that's it. That's what my gut feeling is telling me. Which counts for manure for most of you (if not all).

 

[guillermo]

I can't say I have seen many games of Dart, but I like him.

In a way, he reminds me of Jameis Winston. Dart seems to be a good leader, able to make incredible plays, followed by a dumb dumb decision.

When the saints scout Dart, I am sure they will be focusing more on the mental and emotional part of his game. He can do everything, but why he can make these bonehead decisions?

- Is he able to stay calm in the pocket?
- How much information can he absorb and process at the line of scrimmage?
- Is he able to modify behaviour with coaching?

Here is what I want in this draft. I want us to get a difference maker with the 9th pick, someone to build around either of offensive and defensive unit for years to come.

After that, focus on the strengths of the draft. This seems to be a great year for linemen on both sides, tight ends and running backs. I can also see some corners fall. Don't over reach for players or positions. Don't waste picks going up, think of increasing picks for the next year.

We are frankly not building for 2025. We may be thinking on having the best team for 2027 and beyond, no matter the results for the next couple of years.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

I can't say I have seen many games of Dart, but I like him.

In a way, he reminds me of Jameis Winston. Dart seems to be a good leader, able to make incredible plays, followed by a dumb dumb decision.

When the saints scout Dart, I am sure they will be focusing more on the mental and emotional part of his game. He can do everything, but why he can make these bonehead decisions?

- Is he able to stay calm in the pocket?
- How much information can he absorb and process at the line of scrimmage?
- Is he able to modify behaviour with coaching?

Here is what I want in this draft. I want us to get a difference maker with the 9th pick, someone to build around either of offensive and defensive unit for years to come.

After that, focus on the strengths of the draft. This seems to be a great year for linemen on both sides, tight ends and running backs. I can also see some corners fall. Don't over reach for players or positions. Don't waste picks going up, think of increasing picks for the next year.

We are frankly not building for 2025. We may be thinking on having the best team for 2027 and beyond, no matter the results for the next couple of years.

I'm really uncertain what bone headed decisions you're referring to. He's super low on turn overs during his college career and even has less than Ward while throwing for similar yardage, completion percentage and running for twice as much yards.

In fact, if you watch him you see hesitation is uncommon for him. You can tell he sees the defense, waits for the opening and delivers. Same with pocket presence and poise. When he see's the play is breaking down and a hole is open, he runs without thinking twice. You can even occasionally see him look off safeties.

I just don't know what bone headed decisions you're referring to.

he looks just as good as Ward and just as much in control. But he did it against better defenses with a suspect Oline and RB committee.