The New York Giants’ decision to trade for quarterback Jaxson Dart during the 2025 NFL Draft likely stemmed from head coach Brian Daboll’s desire to recreate the success he had developing Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. While Daboll played a key role in Allen’s rise to Pro Bowl status, another notable quarterback mentor—Jordan Palmer—recently weighed in on Dart’s potential.
Palmer, a respected QB coach who has worked with Allen, Joe Burrow, and Sam Darnold, shared his thoughts in an interview with Big Blue View’s Ed Valentine. Though Palmer hasn’t personally coached Dart, he’s studied his tape extensively and has close ties to players and trainers around him: “I’ve watched nearly every snap he’s taken. I know the guys who train him, teammates, and two of my clients even backed him up last year. I’ve learned a lot about this kid.”
With that background and his knowledge of Allen’s development, Palmer’s perspective carries weight.
Jordan Palmer on the Daboll–Dart Pairing
Palmer acknowledged that Daboll may not have a glowing reputation among Giants fans due to his 19-34 record, but he argued that Daboll’s real value lies in his teaching ability. “At the end of the day, I’m a teacher—and I’ve seen Brian Daboll be arguably the best at teaching the game,” Palmer said.
He highlighted Daboll’s unique strength in coaching young quarterbacks beyond just scheme installation: “He teaches situational football—when to be aggressive, when to play it safe, how to understand the game. He meets quarterbacks where they are, and I’ve seen it firsthand with Josh [Allen] and others.”
It’s a strong endorsement for a coach whose quarterback room has been in flux since he arrived in New York. Daboll has cycled through Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor, Tommy DeVito, and Drew Lock—but now he finally has a quarterback of his own choosing. The Giants traded three draft picks to secure Dart, signaling their long-term investment.
Palmer believes the alignment of coach and quarterback will be a turning point: “I’ve been waiting to see Brian get his guy—someone he hand-picked. Starting from scratch will let him teach the way he’s capable of. He’s one of the best in the business.”
Giants Hope Dart Becomes Their Josh Allen
Josh Allen became a star thanks in large part to his rare blend of size, strength, and mobility. At 6-foot-5 and 237 pounds, he could make every throw and punish defenders on the ground. Daboll helped refine Allen’s raw tools into elite NFL production—and he’ll aim to do the same with Dart.
Dart has the arm strength and athleticism to justify the comparison. In 2024 at Ole Miss, he averaged 329.2 passing yards per game and 10.8 yards per attempt, per Sports Reference. His running ability is also notable; during a 29-yard touchdown run against Auburn, he was clocked at 19.4 mph by Reel Analytics.
This dynamic skill set pairs well with a Giants offense that now features explosive weapons like second-year receiver Malik Nabers. Dart’s mobility may particularly excite Daboll, who could tailor his playbook around designed quarterback runs and option plays.
When Will Dart Get His Shot?
The timeline for Dart’s debut remains unclear, with veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston currently ahead of him on the depth chart. Some believe this could stall Daboll’s opportunity to develop “his guy” and prove what he can do with a handpicked quarterback.
That said, easing Dart into the role might ultimately be better for both his development and the team’s long-term success—even if it delays immediate results. Daboll, however, is facing pressure to win soon, and waiting too long could jeopardize his position.
Regardless of the timeline, the future of the Giants may well hinge on the Daboll–Dart partnership. How quickly it clicks could determine how fast the team returns to competitiveness.