Jalen Milroe’s NFL Draft Journey: A Reality Check or Just a Setback?
Jalen Milroe made headlines with a clutch performance against Georgia, throwing a late touchdown to Ryan Williams and completing 27-of-33 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns. It was a strong start to SEC play in Kalen DeBoer’s era at Alabama, seemingly setting Milroe up for a smooth transition to the 2025 NFL Draft. However, new developments suggest the road ahead may not be as easy as expected.
Draft Stock Concerns: Milroe’s Unexpected Snub
Entering the draft was a major decision for Milroe, who chose to forego his redshirt senior season at Alabama. As a two-time team captain, he had put up impressive numbers, ranking third in school history in yards per game and fifth in total career yards (7,593). His athletic ability and arm strength made him an enticing prospect, but his stock appears to be slipping.
On March 17, ESPN’s Mel Kiper released his Big Board rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft, listing the top 25 prospects. Colorado’s two-way star Travis Hunter took the top spot, followed by Penn State’s Abdul Carter and Michigan’s Mason Graham. Milroe, however, was nowhere in the top 25.
Additionally, Kiper’s positional rankings for quarterbacks placed Milroe at No. 7, behind Shedeur Sanders (Colorado), Cam Ward (Miami), and Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), among others. With six quarterbacks ahead of him and four behind, Milroe faces an uphill battle to rise in the rankings.
Why Has Milroe’s Stock Dropped?
Just days before Kiper’s rankings, things looked more promising. On March 12, Athlon Sports’ mock draft projected Milroe as a second-round pick for the New York Giants, a team desperate for a quarterback solution. Given the uncertainty surrounding Russell Wilson (linked to the Browns) and Aaron Rodgers (potentially joining the Steelers), Milroe seemed like a viable option. Analyst Josh Benzo even suggested that teams needing a “bridge QB” should consider Milroe early in Round 2, allowing him time to develop while contributing as a dynamic weapon.
However, concerns about Milroe’s mechanics and decision-making have cooled enthusiasm. Despite improving his time to throw from 3.45 seconds (2023) to 2.87 seconds (2024), Pro Football Focus (PFF) noted that his processing speed remains too methodical. In a league where quick reads are crucial, Milroe’s “relaxed presence” could hinder him against NFL defenses.
Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski reinforced these concerns, describing Milroe as a “tremendous athlete with immense upside” but in need of “significant development with his footwork and accuracy.”
What’s Next for Milroe?
Milroe now faces an uncertain draft trajectory. He has the physical tools and leadership qualities, but NFL teams seem hesitant due to concerns about his refinement as a passer. The question remains: Is this snub a wake-up call, or just a temporary setback?
Some believe Milroe could benefit from another year in college, while others argue he’s ready to take a gamble on the pros. Either way, his NFL future now hinges on how teams weigh his athletic gifts against his need for further development.