Jalen Milroe has garnered significant attention as Alabama’s starting quarterback heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. His strong arm, athleticism, and raw talent have made him one of the more intriguing prospects, though his development and performance this season will determine whether he can transition from a promising college player to a first-round NFL pick.
Background and Rise to Prominence
Milroe came to Alabama as a highly regarded dual-threat quarterback. A Texas native, Milroe had a stellar high school career that demonstrated his athleticism, mobility, and arm strength, traits that led to his recruitment by Nick Saban’s program. His freshman season in 2022 saw limited action, mostly in blowout games, and he showcased flashes of brilliance, including his dynamic running ability and strong arm. However, he remained behind Bryce Young on the depth chart, a situation that limited his opportunities for significant game time.
In 2023, the quarterback situation in Alabama became much more uncertain following Young’s departure to the NFL. With multiple quarterbacks vying for the starting spot, including Jalen Milroe, Ty Simpson, and Notre Dame transfer Tyler Buchner, Milroe was given the opportunity to take control of the offense. Early in the season, he demonstrated his electrifying athleticism and ability to stretch the field, but his performance also revealed areas that would need refinement for him to succeed at the next level, particularly his consistency as a passer.
Strengths: Athleticism, Mobility, Arm Strength
Milroe’s most significant strength lies in his ability to make plays with his legs. A true dual-threat quarterback, he possesses elite speed and acceleration, which allows him to extend plays and be a significant threat in designed quarterback runs or scrambles. Milroe’s running ability also puts pressure on opposing defenses, forcing them to account for him as both a passer and a runner.
Milroe has a strong arm, which allows him to make deep throws and fit the ball into tight windows when he’s on target. His arm strength is among the best in college football, and he has the ability to make every throw required at the next level, from deep sideline routes to tight throws between defenders. When he is in rhythm, Milroe can be a dangerous vertical passer who challenges defenses down the field.
Weaknesses: Consistency, Decision-Making, Accuracy
While Milroe’s raw physical tools are undeniable, his development as a passer remains a work in progress. His most glaring weakness is his inconsistency with his accuracy. While his deep throws show potential, he struggles with short and intermediate throws, particularly when under pressure or when mechanics break down. His footwork can sometimes be erratic, causing the ball to sail or fall short of the intended target. Improving his accuracy will be essential for Milroe if he hopes to succeed in the NFL, where defenses are faster and pass rushes are more relentless.
Additionally, Milroe’s decision-making can be suspect at times. His tendency to rely on his athleticism has occasionally led to forced plays or missed opportunities when he could have made a better decision. His ability to read defenses and go through progressions will be critical for him to thrive at the next level. In college, he can get away with relying on his physical traits, but the NFL demands quarterbacks who are capable of making quick, smart decisions with the ball.
2024 Season: Milroe’s Key Development Year
The 2024 season is crucial for Milroe’s NFL Draft prospects. After a somewhat uneven 2023 season, he needs to show substantial growth in several areas to solidify his position as a top draft prospect. One of the primary areas of focus will be his ability to improve his passing accuracy. While Alabama has a reputation for developing strong quarterbacks, Milroe’s ability to make a leap in his development will depend on how well he can refine his mechanics, footwork, and decision-making.
Additionally, Milroe needs to showcase his growth as a leader and his ability to elevate his team. Alabama has always been a team-first program, and as the starting quarterback, Milroe will be expected to be the leader of the offense. His leadership and ability to execute in critical moments will be essential for his draft stock.
Alabama’s offense will likely continue to lean on a balanced attack, with strong running back play and a solid offensive line, giving Milroe opportunities to thrive in both the passing and running game. However, it will be essential for Milroe to demonstrate the maturity to make accurate throws in crucial moments, as well as his ability to read defenses and manage the game when it matters most.
NFL Draft Projection: Where Does Milroe Stand?
As of now, Milroe is projected to be somewhere in the middle rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. His physical tools, particularly his athleticism and arm strength, are intriguing to scouts, and they will likely lead to significant interest from teams looking for a developmental quarterback with upside. However, Milroe’s inconsistency as a passer and decision-maker will likely prevent him from being a surefire first-round pick. His draft position will heavily depend on how well he can develop throughout the 2024 season.
A strong season where Milroe shows significant improvement in his accuracy, decision-making, and leadership could push him into the first round, but it’s more likely that he will be a second- or third-round pick. The NFL is always looking for quarterbacks with high upside, and Milroe’s raw talent gives him a shot at being selected early on day two of the draft.
Comparison to Other NFL Quarterback Prospects
Milroe is often compared to other dual-threat quarterbacks in recent drafts, such as Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Fields. Like those quarterbacks, Milroe has the physical traits that make him a dangerous weapon as both a passer and a runner. However, Milroe is still developing as a passer, and it remains to be seen whether he can make the same strides that Jackson, Hurts, and Fields made in their respective college careers.
Jackson, for example, had an unorthodox throwing motion and struggled with accuracy coming out of Louisville but had undeniable playmaking ability. He worked to refine his mechanics in the NFL, and his athleticism has allowed him to excel. Hurts, on the other hand, entered the NFL with more polished mechanics and passing skills, allowing him to take a more traditional path to success. Milroe’s development path may resemble a combination of both players, depending on how quickly he can adapt and improve in college before entering the NFL.
