Jalen Milroe, the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback, has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling the end of his college football career—albeit one year earlier than many anticipated. Following his team's disappointing 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Year's Day, Milroe announced his decision on social media, thanking coaches and teammates alike for their support.<\/p>
“To my teammates, my brothers, thank you for the blood, sweat, and tears we've shared,” Milroe wrote. “The bonds we've built will last a lifetime. To Coach (Nick) Saban, thank you for believing in me and instilling the standard of excellence in me. To Coach (Kalen) DeBoer, thank you for challenging me and helping me grow.” According to Field Level Media, Milroe had become somewhat of a polarizing figure throughout the 2024 season, which resulted in both impressive highs and frustrating lows.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Milroe boasts physical attributes prized by NFL scouts: he’s fast, athletic, and capable of making plays with both his arm and legs. Over his college career, he racked up 2,844 passing yards with 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, along with 726 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns during the 2024 season alone. His earlier performance also had him finishing sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting during his first year as Alabama's starter, showcasing his explosive potential.
Despite those statistics, criticism surrounds Milroe’s overall readiness for the professional level. Renowned analyst Mel Kiper Jr. ranks Milroe as the fourth best quarterback for the upcoming draft, slotting him behind notable prospects like Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. His athleticism and ability to extend plays have drawn praise; yet, the question remains: Can he truly be considered among the elite quarterbacks considering his inconsistency and decision-making flaws?
“He must begin throwing with more anticipation,” Bleacher Report's Dame Parson commented, highlighting areas where Milroe needs improvement. “It appears he does not fully trust his eyes and what he is witnessing between the defense and route concepts.” This critique emphasizes the prevailing sentiment among scouts—a dual-threat quarterback with undeniable talent but lacking fundamental skills.
The 2024 season epitomized these struggles. Milroe recorded 11 interceptions and six fumbles across 13 games. His statistical performance during the pivotal ReliaQuest Bowl was particularly troubling, where two fumbles lost and one interception all occurred within the game's first quarter.
Notably, his initial success was followed by declines; after securing early wins, including a memorable triumph over Georgia, the Alabama team—and Milroe—found themselves plagued by turnovers and inconsistency. Coach Kalen DeBoer stuck with Milroe throughout these challenges, indicating to reporters: “I just felt like there’s things he still did. We went 95-plus yards in less than a minute.” Milroe's ability to excel on some plays kept him on the field, but persistent doubts linger among both fans and analysts alike.
The backlash against his draft ranking is palpable, especially considering the fervent discussions on social media. Fan comments range from quips like, “Jalen Milroe = running back,” to more direct critiques such as, “Milroe should be nowhere near the top 10.” These sentiments reflect frustration toward rankings perceived as overstated—accusations of prioritizing physical capabilities over more integral quarterbacking fundamentals.
Even as analysts and fans dissect his potential, it’s clear Milroe embodies the traits of modern dual-threat quarterbacks who increasingly dominate the NFL. Analysts recognize the growing trend among teams favoring players who can execute both passing and running plays. Milroe's unique running ability could be leveraged by franchises willing to craft their offensive strategies around his style, making him appealing for clubs favoring dynamic quarterback play.
“Jalen Milroe is the most physically talented quarterback in this year’s class,” noted scouts who assess quarterbacks primarily based on their raw abilities rather than just stat lines. NFL executives will need to weigh his potential against uncertainty, defining his fit within the league's various offensive schemes. It’s not enough to simply possess elite speed and strength at the quarterback position—consistency, decision-making, and accuracy are pivotal.
Milroe's upcoming participation at the Senior Bowl offers him another opportunity to sway opinions, competing alongside fellow quarterbacks such as Dillon Gabriel and Riley Leonard. His performance there could play a significant role in establishing his draft stock, and many scouts will be tracking how he handles pressure against other potential draftees.
The draft process is often fraught with unpredictable twists—if Milroe can capitalize on this moment, he may even bolster his rankings, promising to be the kind of player who can develop significantly with the right coaching. The debate around his future is just beginning, as scouts, fans, and teams look to piece together the complex puzzle of Jalen Milroe.
His declaration for the draft has certainly rattled the Alabama quarterback situation, leaving his coaches with considerable work to do. Moving forward, they will need to establish who will take the reins for the storied Crimson Tide, without their dual-threat quarterback as their anchor. The clock is ticking as prospects eye the gaps Milroe leaves behind, hoping to prove themselves worthy of the prestigious quarterback role at Alabama.