Physical Address

304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124

Flick International A modern NFL draft room filled with screens and a spotlight on the New York Giants logo featuring Jaxson Dart's selection.

New York Giants’ Choice of Jaxson Dart Over Shedeur Sanders Ignites Social Media Debate

New York Giants’ Choice of Jaxson Dart Over Shedeur Sanders Ignites Social Media Debate

The New York Giants made a bold move in the NFL Draft by trading back into the first round to select their future quarterback. This decision has generated a mixed response across social media platforms.

In a surprising twist, the Giants opted for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the 25th overall pick instead of the highly anticipated Colorado Buffaloes star, Shedeur Sanders, who had been a Heisman Trophy finalist. The Giants secured this pick through a trade with the Houston Texans, giving away their second and third-round selections in this year’s draft, along with a future third-round pick in 2026.

Surprising Draft Outcomes

Many analysts expected Dart to be drafted higher than Sanders. However, the draft took an unexpected turn when the Pittsburgh Steelers, looking for a quarterback, selected Derrick Harmon from Oregon at No. 21 overall. This left both Dart and Sanders’ fates uncertain.

With Dart now officially part of the Giants, one remark on social media pointed out the irony of the situation. An X user commented, “Giants trading up to draft a QB and it’s Jaxson Dart is so unbelievably funny. That’s so Giants.” This sentiment captures the apprehension some fans feel about the team’s choice.

Critiques and Support

Notably, sports commentator Skip Bayless criticized the decision sharply. He tweeted in all caps, “Shedeur Sanders is so much better than Jaxson Dart. This is just laughably sad.” Bayless’s reaction reflects a broader concern among fans who feel the Giants missed out on a potentially game-changing player.

Yet, amid the criticism, some voices defended the choice. ESPN NFL analyst Robert Griffin III, a former quarterback himself, urged fans to appreciate both players, asserting, “You don’t have to hate Jaxson Dart to support Shedeur Sanders.” This perspective encourages a more positive outlook on both quarterbacks’ careers moving forward.

Praise for Dart’s Potential

Not all feedback has been negative. Jon Gruden, former NFL head coach and current analyst for Barstool Sports, commended Dart’s toughness, stating, “New York Giants fans…you are getting one tough SOB! Congratulations to Jaxson Dart!” Gruden shared a video showcasing Dart’s skills and grit during his time at Ole Miss, highlighting reasons for optimism about the pick.

Memes Reflecting Fan Reactions

As is customary with major sports events, social media flooded with memes related to the draft decision. One widely shared image juxtaposed the moments Dart was selected and Sanders remained available, capturing the stark contrast in their draft experiences.

As the first round ended, Sanders found himself without a team, forcing him to wait until the second or third round for his name to be called.

Dart’s Aspirations in New York

After his selection, Jaxson Dart reflected on his journey in a press conference. He revealed that he had been in contact with Giants head coach Brian Daboll throughout the draft process, although those conversations began to dwindle two weeks prior to the event.

Dart expressed excitement about joining the Giants, stating, “This is where my journey starts. I’m sitting in a room with a Super Bowl-winning quarterback.” The quarterback he referred to is Russell Wilson, who recently signed with the team as a free agent, alongside another veteran, Jameis Winston. Both experienced quarterbacks provide Dart with invaluable insights during his transition into the NFL.

Looking Ahead

The decision to draft Jaxson Dart over Shedeur Sanders presents both challenges and opportunities for the New York Giants. While social media responses continue to flood in, it is crucial to remember that the true measure of success will unfold in the coming seasons. With an array of talent at his disposal, Dart may rise to meet expectations set by the franchise and its fanbase.

This draft choice could very well reshape the future of New York football. How the team develops Dart and addresses the demands of the NFL will significantly impact the Giants’ performance in the years ahead.

As the NFL season approaches, fans will undoubtedly continue to analyze and debate the implications of this crucial decision, eager to witness how Dart adapts to his new role and whether he can prove the doubters wrong.