Jalen Milroe’s Pre-NFL Draft Showcase and Senior Bowl Participation: A Deep Dive

As the NFL draft approaches, prospects from across the country are gearing up for their chance to impress NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. For Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, his journey to the NFL is about to hit a critical juncture, with several high-profile events on the horizon. One of the most important events that players like Milroe have to consider is the Senior Bowl, a prestigious all-star game that provides athletes with a final opportunity to showcase their talents before entering the draft. As speculation mounts regarding his participation, this piece will explore Milroe’s potential involvement in the Senior Bowl and examine his role in the broader context of his pre-NFL draft showcase.

Jalen Milroe’s Career at Alabama

Jalen Milroe’s time at Alabama has been a tale of development and transformation. As a highly-rated recruit, Milroe came to Alabama with big expectations. He was part of the 2021 recruiting class, and after spending time in a backup role during his early years with the team, Milroe was thrust into the starting position in 2023. While his path to the starting job may have been unconventional, the upside that he displayed throughout the season was undeniable.

Milroe’s tenure as Alabama’s starting quarterback was marked by his unique blend of athleticism and raw talent. At 6’2″ and 212 pounds, Milroe possesses a strong, powerful arm that can make throws from various platforms and a level of speed and agility rarely seen from quarterbacks of his size. His most notable attribute is his ability to create explosive plays with his legs. His dual-threat ability made him a formidable opponent for opposing defenses, particularly in the SEC.

Throughout the 2023 season, Milroe’s performance as the starting quarterback was a mix of highs and lows. He displayed flashes of brilliance, especially in his ability to make plays outside of the pocket and generate significant yardage with his legs. However, like many young quarterbacks, Milroe also encountered growing pains. Inconsistent accuracy, particularly on deep throws, and decision-making issues at times raised concerns about his readiness for the next level.

Despite these challenges, Milroe’s physical gifts and potential as a developmental prospect are clear. His ability to throw on the move, his playmaking ability, and his leadership on a high-profile Alabama team make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams. As a result, the 2025 NFL Draft will likely see him as a player with a lot of upside, even if he is viewed as a work in progress.

The Senior Bowl: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

The Senior Bowl is one of the premier pre-draft showcases for college football players. Held annually in Mobile, Alabama, the game features some of the best senior players from around the nation, with NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers in attendance to evaluate talent up close. The Senior Bowl is unique because it gives prospects the opportunity to work with NFL coaching staffs and participate in practice sessions and interviews that provide teams with valuable insight into a player’s skills, personality, and readiness for the next level.

For quarterbacks, the Senior Bowl can be a defining moment. It provides them with a chance to demonstrate their ability to run an NFL-style offense, showcase their accuracy, decision-making, and arm strength, and develop chemistry with new teammates. For many, the Senior Bowl can be an opportunity to significantly improve their draft stock or solidify their place as top prospects.

The importance of the Senior Bowl can’t be overstated. Some of the most successful NFL quarterbacks, including Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, and Baker Mayfield, used the Senior Bowl as a springboard for their NFL careers. Not only is it an important event for building visibility, but it also provides a platform for players to gain valuable experience in a competitive, high-pressure environment.

Will Jalen Milroe Play in the Senior Bowl?

As of early February 2025, there has been significant speculation surrounding whether Jalen Milroe will participate in the Senior Bowl. The decision to participate is complex and is often influenced by multiple factors, including a player’s current draft projection, their health, and how they wish to approach their pre-draft preparation.

The Senior Bowl is traditionally reserved for senior players, and Milroe, though entering his fourth year at Alabama, technically would not qualify as a senior in terms of eligibility. He could opt to forgo his remaining eligibility and declare for the NFL Draft, which would make him a candidate for the Senior Bowl. However, there is no formal announcement yet on whether Milroe will take part in the game.

Several factors could influence Milroe’s decision. First, Milroe’s draft stock is in a state of flux. Although he has undeniable talent, the rawness of his game may leave some NFL teams skeptical about his immediate readiness to play at the highest level. For a player like Milroe, the Senior Bowl presents an invaluable opportunity to demonstrate his growth as a quarterback and potentially address concerns about his development.

Additionally, Milroe’s performance during the NFL Combine, as well as private workouts with teams, will likely play a large role in his draft evaluation. If Milroe feels that his skill set would be better showcased through individual workouts and combine drills, he may choose to pass on the Senior Bowl to focus more on those events. On the other hand, if Milroe is eager to prove himself against top-tier competition and gain additional coaching, the Senior Bowl could be an important platform for him to show off his abilities.

The Case for Milroe’s Participation

There are several compelling reasons why Milroe might choose to play in the Senior Bowl. First and foremost, it would provide him with a unique opportunity to show off his skills in front of a national audience, including NFL scouts and coaches. Given the uncertainty surrounding his draft stock, Milroe could use the Senior Bowl as a chance to answer lingering questions about his accuracy, decision-making, and overall readiness for the NFL.

Milroe’s mobility and ability to extend plays with his legs are among his most impressive traits. The Senior Bowl would allow him to demonstrate these abilities in an NFL-style offense, something that could be critical for his draft stock. If Milroe excels during the week of practices, it could help silence any concerns about his rawness and make teams more inclined to take a chance on him in the later rounds of the draft. The increased exposure could also position him to become a potential developmental quarterback for an NFL team, similar to how other dual-threat quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson have risen through the ranks.

Another important factor in Milroe’s decision-making is the coaching aspect of the Senior Bowl. The game is run by NFL coaches, and players participate in practices and drills run by current NFL coaching staffs. This environment can give players a chance to showcase their skillset in front of NFL decision-makers and gain invaluable feedback from some of the best minds in the game. For Milroe, this exposure could be particularly helpful as he looks to continue his development and adjust his game to an NFL-caliber level.

Finally, Milroe could view the Senior Bowl as an opportunity to make a statement. Alabama quarterbacks have historically been highly scrutinized in the NFL draft process, with many analysts questioning their ability to transition successfully to the pro level. By performing well in the Senior Bowl, Milroe could make it clear that he is ready for the next step and capable of competing at the highest level.

Potential Downsides to Milroe’s Participation

While there are several reasons why Milroe might want to participate in the Senior Bowl, there are also risks involved. The first concern is health. The Senior Bowl is a high-intensity event, and any injury—no matter how minor—could harm a player’s draft prospects. For Milroe, who may already have some lingering concerns regarding his mechanics and overall consistency, there may be hesitations about risking injury in an all-star game setting.

Additionally, while Milroe’s physical gifts are impressive, he has a long way to go in terms of polish. In a game like the Senior Bowl, where top-tier competition is at the forefront, Milroe may find himself exposed in areas like accuracy and consistency. If he struggles during the game or practices, it could be damaging to his draft stock, especially since some teams may already have doubts about his readiness. Therefore, Milroe and his representatives will need to weigh the potential benefits of the Senior Bowl against the risk of disappointing performances or sustaining an injury.

Moreover, some players opt to skip the Senior Bowl in order to focus solely on training for the NFL Combine and individual team workouts. This decision is often based on the belief that the combine’s controlled environment, where players have a chance to participate in specific drills and showcase their athleticism, is more beneficial for their draft evaluation. Milroe, with his athletic ability, could potentially choose to pass on the Senior Bowl and prioritize these other events in an attempt to perform better in the combine and impress NFL teams.