JACKSON: Should the Saints Draft Jaxson Dart or wait on a QB?

By Ross Jackson

Depending on what happens with the New Orleans Saints’ head coaching job, the franchise’s next big move may be at quarterback.

With Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore expected to take the job after this weekend’s Super Bowl, many have begun linking New Orleans to Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 9 overall in this year’s NFL Draft.

But if Moore wants his future passer, this year’s draft may not be the best investment. 

Rumors have already begun to swirl that Dart may rise up draft boards into the middle of the first round. However, many of those reports have come from the media. When it comes to NFL scouts that were polled anonymously, the reviews aren’t so glowing.

With such an inconsistent evaluation to rely on, it might be best to avoid selecting the passer in the first round and instead revisit him when the value better aligns with the projection.

To Dart’s credit, he led the SEC in passing and had a fantastic 29 to six touchdown to interception count in 2024. 

With a pair of passers expected to go near the top of the draft, it may be wiser for New Orleans to focus on areas around the quarterback instead. If two quarterbacks, two offensive linemen, and Colorado playmaker Travis Hunter all go early in the first round, the Saints are set to land an immediate impact player at wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback, or a generational running back in Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. 

Then, the team could choose to revisit the quarterback position later or wait to draw from that pool in 2026 when the class is expected to be much deeper and much better. 

If Moore wants a future passer, finding one in this year’s first round may not be the way to go. However, if Dart’s evaluations get more consistent and his Scouting Combine and visits go well, he could change that perception. Until then, New Orleans should consider sitting on their hands a bit when it comes to quarterback.