Not long after it was initially reported that quarterback Sam Darnold received a three-year, $100.5M contract from the Seattle Seahawks early into free agency, analysts and reporters pointed out that the Seahawks could still select a project for the future such as Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart with the 18th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft.
For an article published on Monday, Derrik Klassen of The Athletic explained why having Klint Kubiak as an offensive coordinator could make the Seahawks the best fit for Dart this spring.
"Dart reminds me a lot of Jimmy Garoppolo as a passer," Klassen explained. "The two are quite similar in build, arm talent and ability on throws over the middle of the field. A majority of Dart’s best throws on film are slants, short posts and crossers. The same was true of Garoppolo at his best [with the San Francisco 49ers]. Neither Dart nor Garoppolo is a quarterback you want reading out a full progression very often. In theory, Kubiak’s offense plays into all of that. It’s built off the run game, which is then parlayed into a strong play-action attack. Not only does that simplify reads for the quarterback, it also demands the QB often makes tight throws over the middle of the field, which is where Dart shines."
While Dart's draft stock has reportedly risen to the point that some teams view him as the second-best quarterback of this year's class behind only Miami's Cam Ward, evaluators have routinely mentioned that Dart is a flawed prospect who should develop as an unused backup through at least his rookie season. He theoretically could do that with Seattle, but ESPN's Brady Henderson noted as recently as this past weekend that the exact details of Darnold's contract mean he'll have to earn the second year of his deal via his play this coming fall.
Meanwhile, a majority of league insiders expect the Tennessee Titans will select Ward with the draft's first pick.
Outlets such as DraftKings Sportsbook continue to suggest that the New Orleans Saints won't pass on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders at overall draft pick No. 9. Considering the Seahawks haven't truly promised Darnold anything other than the starting job for 2025, they may feel they have to draft Dart with the 18th choice if they think he could become the club's long-term answer at the position beginning in 2026 or 2027.
