It’s not every year you see a rookie quarterback getting first-team reps this early in spring workouts, especially when there’s an established veteran like Russell Wilson already in the mix. But that’s exactly what’s happening with 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart , who’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about players during voluntary team activities.
Let’s break down what’s going on with Dart Giants OTA Takeaways, how the QB competition is shaping up, and what it all means heading into training camp.
Jaxson Dart Steals the Spotlight with First-Team Work
On Wednesday’s open OTA session, Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed what many had speculated: there’s a detailed plan in place to rotate the four quarterbacks, including giving Dart valuable time with the starters.
Dart got three snaps with the first team — all in goal-line situations — and made the most of them. He threw a touchdown, rushed for another score, and also threw an interception, which was picked off by linebacker Micah McFadden.
While the results were mixed, what stood out was the coaching staff’s willingness to throw him into high-pressure moments so early in his development. It shows they’re serious about evaluating his readiness.
“Coach Daboll has been spending as much time with me as possible,” said one observer familiar with the practice environment. “That kind of attention doesn’t go unnoticed.”
The QB Battle Is Already Heating Up
Although Russell Wilson remains firmly entrenched as the starter, the Giants clearly want to accelerate Dart’s growth curve. They even hinted that this wasn’t a one-off — more first-team reps could be coming.
Meanwhile, Tommy DeVito continues to hold down the backup role for now, but with a rookie pushing hard, the pressure is definitely on.
What makes Dart’s early performance impressive is how composed he looks under pressure. His mobility, arm strength, and understanding of the offense have drawn praise from teammates and coaches alike.
Is it too early to talk about a QB controversy? Maybe. But it’s not too early to say that Dart is turning heads — and fast.
Injury Updates: Malik Nabers Still Limited
One concern lingering into the summer is wide receiver Malik Nabers , who missed Wednesday’s OTA due to ongoing issues with his toe. Daboll noted that Nabers hasn’t done much beyond catching passes since arriving in the NFL, raising questions about his readiness for training camp.
The Giants are being cautious with their top offensive weapon, but fans will want to see more action from him once full practices begin.
Joint Practice Plans Still Uncertain
When asked about potential joint practices during preseason, Daboll said the team is still working through logistics. With games scheduled against the Jets, Bills, and Patriots, the Giants might consider shared sessions — though matchups with the Bills and Pats could complicate things due to scheduling conflicts and regular-season implications.
The Jets remain the most likely partner for joint work, but nothing is finalized yet.
Evan Neal Shifts to Guard — For Now
Fourth-year tackle Evan Neal took a few reps at left guard during Wednesday’s workout, though it was mostly in non-contact drills. Coaches are testing his versatility, and while the move comes with challenges, Neal seems eager to prove he can contribute wherever needed.
Greg Van Roten, the veteran guard, explained why the inside game is tougher than it looks:
“Inside, everything happens faster. The guys are bigger, the movements quicker. It’s not just about size — it’s about processing speed.”
Neal’s transition could play a key role in shoring up the Giants’ offensive line depth.
Offensive Line Depth Chart Shakeup?
With veterans Andrew Thomas and Jon Runyan Jr. held out of live drills due to injuries, the first-team unit looked like this:
- LT: James Hudson
- LG: Aaron Stinnie
- C: John Michael Schmitz
- RG: Greg Van Roten
- RT: Jermaine Eluemunor
- Van Roten praised the group’s overall depth, noting that young linemen like Marcus Mbow and Jake Kubas are showing promise.
Lessons From Legends
In a nice touch, former Giants greats like Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, and Lawrence Taylor have been visiting the team this spring to share wisdom from past Super Bowl runs.
Wednesday’s guest speaker was Howard Cross , part of the Giants’ 1990 championship squad. Safety Jevon Holland said these visits offer invaluable insight:
“They’ve won Super Bowls — they’re giving us the blueprint to success. That aligns perfectly with what Coach Daboll is telling us.”
Spring practices may be voluntary, but the energy at Giants OTAs tells a different story — especially when it comes to the quarterback room. Jaxson Dart is already earning respect with his poise, athleticism, and growing command of the offense
Whether or not he pushes for significant playing time this season, one thing is clear: the Giants believe in his potential — and they’re investing time in developing it early.
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