Giants tackle Jermaine Eluemunor puts sky-high tag on Jaxson Dart
Jermaine Eluemunor told TMZ Sports he believes Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has the tools, work ethic and leadership to become the NFL’s best.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
2 min read
Jermaine Eluemunor is putting a bright spotlight on Jaxson Dart before the Giants’ next season even kicks off.
The New York right tackle told TMZ Sports that Dart, who is heading into his second NFL season, has the talent to rise to the very top of the league at quarterback. Eluemunor said he saw enough up close during Dart’s rookie year to believe the Giants have their centerpiece.
Speaking with Babcock for TMZ Sports, Eluemunor said the Giants have the pieces to win, pointing to the roster around Dart and the arrival of John Harbaugh on the sideline. He singled out left tackle Andrew Thomas, running back Cam Skattebo and rookie Arvell Reese while describing a team with young talent across the field.
Eluemunor’s biggest praise, though, went straight to Dart. He said New York has “an up-and-coming quarterback” who he believes can become the best quarterback in the NFL.
The 31-year-old lineman, whom TMZ Sports described as coming off a breakout season as one of the game’s top tackles, said any NFL head coach would want a roster with that much young talent, especially with Dart at quarterback.
“Dart’s a fricking amazing player,” Eluemunor told TMZ Sports, adding that he expects the quarterback to have a big season.
Eluemunor’s view carries some locker-room weight. TMZ Sports noted that he has protected Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson during his career, giving him firsthand experience with elite quarterbacks. In Dart, Eluemunor said he sees the drive needed to play at a high level.
According to Eluemunor, Dart is determined to help restore the Giants to where the quarterback and the team believe the franchise should be. He also praised Dart’s habits, saying the young quarterback is the first one in the building and the last one out.
Eluemunor said Dart has also grown as a leader despite his age. The veteran tackle told TMZ Sports that Dart has taken the next step in that role and has earned belief from the team around him.
Asked what Giants fans should expect from Dart, Eluemunor kept it short and confident: “Lights out.” He said that once Dart is on the field, he expects him to create plays and help New York win games.
The Giants’ season will test that faith quickly. For now, one of the men paid to keep Dart upright is making it clear: inside the building, the belief in the young quarterback is loud.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.