Everyone wants the number. In the world of NFL scouting, we obsess over the stopwatch like it’s a crystal ball. When the conversation turns to former Ole Miss star and current New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, the "number" is always the Jaxson Dart 40 time. People expect a specific, laser-timed digit to tell them if he’s the next great dual-threat or just another pocket passer with decent legs.
Honestly? It’s complicated.
If you’re looking for a formal 40-yard dash time from the 2025 NFL Combine, you won't find one. Dart, like many top-tier quarterbacks in his class including Jalen Milroe and Quinn Ewers, opted out of the sprint in Indianapolis. He chose to let his tape do the talking. While he didn't run the 40 at the Combine or his Pro Day, we have plenty of data to piece together just how fast he actually is.
The Mystery of the Official Jaxson Dart 40 Time
Scouts and analysts have spent a lot of time projecting what that 40-yard dash would have looked like. Before the draft, training targets for Dart were often cited in the 4.55 to 4.65 range. Some more conservative estimates, like those from SumerSports, pegged him at a 4.77.
Why the discrepancy?
It comes down to "track speed" versus "football speed." On a track in spandex, Dart might not be the guy blowing past cornerbacks. But in a muddy pocket with a 300-pound defensive tackle breathing down his neck? That’s where he looks fast.
During his final year at Ole Miss, Dart was the engine of Lane Kiffin’s high-octane offense. He didn't just throw for over 4,200 yards; he chipped in nearly 500 yards on the ground. He isn't a "scrambler" in the sense that he’s looking to run first. He’s a playmaker who uses his athleticism to extend the play.
How Fast is Jaxson Dart on the Field?
Think about the Georgia game in 2024. Dart was banged up, hobbling around, and yet he still found ways to manipulate the pocket and escape pressure. That’s the nuance that a Jaxson Dart 40 time doesn't capture.
He has what scouts call "functional mobility."
- Size: 6-foot-2, 223 pounds.
- Athleticism Score: Estimated at 74 by NFL.com scouts.
- Rushing Production: Over 1,500 career rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
He’s got a thick build. He isn't slight like some of the track-star QBs we've seen lately. This allows him to absorb hits—something he does perhaps a bit too willingly. You’ve probably seen him lower his shoulder against SEC linebackers. It’s a "gamer" mentality that coaches love and trainers hate.
Basically, he’s fast enough.
In the NFL, a sub-4.8 time for a quarterback is usually the "green light" for designed runs. Anything under 4.6 is elite territory (think Lamar Jackson or Justin Fields). Dart sits comfortably in that middle ground. He’s more "sneaky fast" than "explosive."
Why the 40-Yard Dash Didn't Happen
You might wonder why he didn't just run it. If he’s fast, show it, right?
The reality of the modern NFL Draft process is that top quarterbacks often have more to lose than gain by running. If Dart runs a 4.75, people say "he's a good athlete." If he slips and runs a 4.85, suddenly the "statue" narrative starts. By skipping the 40, he kept the focus on his arm talent and his record-breaking production at Ole Miss.
It worked. The New York Giants took him with the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Giants weren't looking for a sprinter. They were looking for a guy who could operate an RPO-heavy system and make off-platform throws. His 10.8 yards per attempt in 2024—which led the FBS—mattered way more to Brian Daboll than a few tenths of a second on a track.
Athleticism Beyond the Sprint
If we look at his "athleticism score," which combines his size, arm strength, and perceived speed, Dart ranked 8th among quarterbacks at the 2025 Combine. He’s a high-level athlete, just not an "elite" one in terms of pure measurables.
His real speed shows up in his 10-yard split. While we don't have the official Combine number, his "get-off" in the pocket is noticeably quick. He resets his feet, slides away from the rush, and can get to his top speed in a few steps.
Scouts from Steelers Depot and FantasyPros noted that while he lacks a "defining high-end trait," he is a "well-rounded gamer." He’s the kind of player whose 40 time is probably the least interesting thing about him.
Breaking Down the Stats
- Total Yards (2024): 4,774 (3rd in FBS)
- Completion Percentage: 69.3%
- Career Rushing Yards: 1,541
These numbers tell a better story than a stopwatch. He’s a guy who can hurt you with his legs if you play man coverage and turn your back, but he’d much rather carve you up from the pocket.
The NFL Transition: Speed vs. Processing
Now that he’s in the league, the Jaxson Dart 40 time debate has mostly settled. In his rookie year with the Giants, we’ve seen him use that mobility to survive behind a rebuilding offensive line.
One thing scouts worried about was his "processing speed." In Lane Kiffin’s system, a lot of the reads were predetermined. In the NFL, windows close faster. Your legs can buy you time, but they can't make the decision for you.
He’s shown he can run a 5.7-yard average per carry in the pros, as seen in his early outings against teams like the Raiders and Bears. He’s even logged multiple 2-touchdown rushing games. The speed is there. It’s real.
But as any veteran will tell you, the fastest thing on an NFL field is the ball.
What to Expect Next
If you're tracking Dart for your dynasty fantasy league or just following the Giants, don't get hung up on the lack of a 4.5 official time. Look at the "scramble percentage." Look at how he handles the blitz.
Dart is a "multiple" threat. He’s got the arm to hit the deep post and the toughness to take a draw up the middle on 3rd and 6.
To get a true sense of his value, you should watch his "Red Zone" tape. That’s where his athleticism shines. When the field shrinks, a quarterback who can threaten the pylon with his feet is worth his weight in gold.
Next Steps for Evaluation:
- Compare his rushing success rate against other 2025 rookies like Cam Ward.
- Monitor his "Time to Throw" stats; if he’s holding the ball too long, his athleticism might actually be a crutch.
- Watch his footwork in the pocket—scouts noted his "heels click" sometimes, which can negate his natural speed.
The Jaxson Dart 40 time might remain a bit of a mystery in the official record books, but the game film is loud and clear: he’s plenty fast enough to win on Sundays.