The curtains have closed on the 2024 football season, and the conversation has now shifted to the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft. While much of the attention is focused on Shedeur Sanders, Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe has also emerged as a major talking point. The hype surrounding Milroe is undeniable, and why wouldn’t it be? He was recruited by none other than the legendary Nick Saban, the seven-time National Championship-winning coach. Saban’s recruiting skills are unquestionable, which only strengthens Milroe’s case as a potential top draft pick. Currently, two NFL teams appear to be leading the race for Milroe: the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tommy Rees and His Connection to Jalen Milroe
Rees said the team is still working on if it will bring in a QBs coach but Rees will be involved with the position group.
— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) January 23, 2025
One of the key storylines surrounding Milroe is his connection with Tommy Rees, the newly appointed offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. Rees previously served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator and quarterback coach under Nick Saban in 2023. During his time there, Rees developed a strong relationship with Milroe, which could play a significant role in the Browns’ interest in the quarterback. Rees has openly expressed admiration for Milroe, calling him a special talent and emphasizing his decision-making skills as a standout quality.
Rees has been cautious about publicly endorsing Milroe for the draft, but his fondness for the quarterback is clear. When asked about Milroe, Rees stated, “I have a lot of love for Jalen, a lot of respect. … That’s a great relationship there, but I’m not really going to expand on anybody in the draft right now.” Despite his discretion, Rees seems to be a strong advocate for Milroe, and his influence within the Browns organization could tilt the scales in the quarterback’s favor.
Jalen Milroe’s Rise to Prominence
Milroe’s impressive performance during the 2024 season has made him a hot commodity. Alabama has a history of producing NFL-ready quarterbacks, with stars like Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts finding great success in the league. Milroe has shown he could follow in their footsteps. One of his standout moments came in Week 5 against Georgia, where he showcased significant improvements in his passing game and led Alabama to a crucial victory. Performances like this have cemented his reputation as a top-tier prospect.
The Cleveland Browns, who are in desperate need of a reliable quarterback due to Deshaun Watson’s injury history, seem like an ideal landing spot for Milroe. However, the team has other needs to address, which complicates their draft strategy.
Pittsburgh Steelers Enter the Picture
While the Browns are interested, the Pittsburgh Steelers have also emerged as serious contenders for Milroe. According to recent updates, Steelers scouts are highly impressed with Milroe’s abilities, viewing him as a first-round talent and a potential franchise quarterback. Head coach Mike Tomlin is expected to evaluate Milroe further at the upcoming Senior Bowl, which could influence the Steelers’ draft decisions.
The Steelers currently face uncertainty at the quarterback position, with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields not providing the long-term security they need. Milroe could be the answer to their quarterback dilemma, making him an attractive option for Pittsburgh.
The Competition: Travis Hunter and Other Factors
One potential obstacle for Milroe landing with the Browns is Colorado Buffaloes’ dual-threat player Travis Hunter. Some experts believe Hunter could overshadow Milroe in the draft due to his exceptional versatility and talent. NFL legend Chad Johnson recently shared his perspective, suggesting it would be difficult for the Browns to pass on Hunter, who could potentially revive the team in the same way Jim Brown once did. Johnson stated, “No sir, and that’s no disrespect to [Milroe]. I can see him going early second [round], but passing up on Travis Hunter… no.”
The Browns may opt to address other needs in the first round, leaving Milroe available for other teams like the Steelers to snatch up.
The Future of Jalen Milroe
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the competition for Jalen Milroe’s services is heating up. While the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be the primary suitors, the draft process is unpredictable, and other teams could enter the race. The decision will ultimately hinge on how teams prioritize their needs and evaluate Milroe’s potential as a franchise quarterback. Regardless of where he lands, Milroe’s journey to the NFL will undoubtedly be one of the most compelling stories of the draft.