Though already reported to be on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ pre-draft visitor list, Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart has officially made his way into the city. Per the PPG’s Ray Fittipaldo and first reported by The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo, Dart is meeting Friday with Steelers’ brass.
Dart is considered the favorite to be the third quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft behind Miami (FL)’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, though even the latter’s draft stock is on uncertain ground. Dart has “risen” throughout the pre-draft process starting with a solid Senior Bowl week. A combination of toughness, athleticism, and overall arm strength and accuracy has vaulted him ahead of other Tier 2 quarterbacks like Louisville’s Tyler Shough, Ohio State’s Will Howard, and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.
Still, determining Dart’s draft stock is challenging. Is he truly a first-round pick? Or is he being overhyped by a media that loves to talk – and talk up – quarterbacks? Currently, Mock Draft Database slots him as a borderline first-round pick, but Dart is one of the most popular selections to land in Pittsburgh.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter has spoken out against the idea of Pittsburgh taking a first-round quarterback with the exception being if Sanders tumbles on draft day. While it seems more likely than not the Steelers won’t select a passer in the first round, they’re certainly doing their homework, and the possibility can’t be completely discounted.
Though Dart is in Pittsburgh for a visit, the fact that neither Mike Tomlin nor GM Omar Khan attended Ole Miss Pro Day to watch him throw is a dubious sign for him truly being considered in the first round. Instead, assistant GM Andy Weidl attended.
Dart is the second quarterback the Steelers have hosted on a pre-draft visit this cycle. They brought in Shough last month.
Check out our full Dart scouting report below.
