Jalen Milroe Enters The 2025 NFL Draft As A Compelling Yet Complex Quarterback Prospect
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Jalen Milroe has solidified his status as one of the most intriguing quarterbacks eligible for selection. Earlier this month, he dazzled scouts at Alabama's pro day, setting the stage for what many believe could be a pivotal moment in his professional career. Milroe, a 23-year-old quarterback with an extensive college background, has exhibited a blend of athleticism and arm strength that few can match.
Milroe's journey began when he was a four-star recruit, opting to play for Alabama over offers from Texas, Florida, and Oregon. After spending two seasons as a backup to future No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young, Milroe took over as Alabama’s starting quarterback in 2023. That season marked his ascension as he led the team to an SEC Championship and a place in the College Football Playoff.
However, Milroe faced a new challenge in 2024 when Alabama hired head coach Kaleb DeBoer, necessitating a shift to a different offensive scheme following Nick Saban's retirement. Despite the hurdles, Milroe showcased his dynamic skill set, particularly during games against top-ranked teams.
During a standout performance against Georgia, he amassed over 500 total yards and was named the SEC Championship Game MVP with two touchdown passes. What’s more, his arm talent shone through with a standout 95.8 PFF passing grade on passes traveling over 40 yards, the highest in this draft class.
In evaluating Milroe as a prospect, several strengths have emerged. He boasts impressive speed, clocking an unofficial 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest quarterbacks to enter the league. He accelerates exceptionally well, previously reaching 22 miles per hour, which puts him in elite company among NFL talents. His rushing prowess and ability to make defenders miss have drawn comparisons to prolific dual-threat quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Tyrod Taylor.
“He is the most electric runner with the football at the quarterback position that I've watched since Lamar Jackson,” a scout noted about Milroe's agility and foot speed.
Despite these strengths, Milroe's evaluation comes with caveats. Critics point to his inconsistency with shorter throws and timing-based routes, particularly on passes thrown within the 10-yard range where he displayed a troubling uncatchable pass rate of over 30%. His performance has raised concerns that he may need more time to develop into a reliable NFL starter.
“He has shown improvement in footwork and processing, but there are still areas where he struggles,” stated Josh Edwards of CBS Sports.
Looking ahead to the NFL, several teams may consider drafting Milroe, given their respective quarterback situations. The New Orleans Saints currently have Derek Carr under contract until 2026. However, with a costly cap hit looming, they may seek to draft Milroe for future development. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins clearly need an upgrade at quarterback and could see Milroe developing under coach Mike McDaniel's guidance in the coming seasons. The Pittsburgh Steelers, on the other hand, remain on the lookout for a long-term solution that could include Milroe, especially given their investment in playmaking receivers.
“He is a project at this point—he needs to find the right system but has the potential to be a starter down the road,” noted another NFL analyst introducing cautious optimism about Milroe.
Milroe's college career is impressive, ranking in the top five in Alabama school history with 7,593 total yards and 78 total touchdowns. His accolades include achievements like being a two-time team captain and the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy winner, highlighting his leadership and character on and off the field. Milroe's all-around performance places him in a good position entering the draft, but teams will have to weigh his strengths against his challenges, particularly his struggles with timing throws and processing defenses.
As the April 24-26 draft date approaches, evaluations are sure to intensify. Team scouts will be focusing on Milroe's adaptability and improvement from college to the professional level. Only time will reveal whether Milroe’s preparation will yield beneficial results on NFL fields.
The 2025 NFL Draft is set to take place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where fans, teams, and analysts will gather to witness potential future stars, like Jalen Milroe, take their first steps into professional football.
