Jalen Milroe’s Draft Stock: Can He Become the Next Great Dual-Threat QB?
With both the Super Bowl and College Football Playoff championships now in the books, the football world has shifted its focus toward the NFL Draft. While Chiefs fans might not want to relive the past, reflecting on the recent Super Bowl can provide valuable insights into Jalen Milroe’s potential at the next level.
Drawing Parallels Between Jalen Hurts and Jalen Milroe
The Philadelphia Eagles’ success was built on a collective effort, with a deep, well-balanced roster rather than relying on a single superstar. However, the quarterback position remained crucial, as evidenced by Jalen Hurts’ impact in the Super Bowl. Hurts, much like Milroe, was an athletic, dual-threat quarterback who wasn’t initially seen as a guaranteed success at Alabama. He faced skepticism but eventually proved himself in the NFL.
Milroe shares many similarities with Hurts:
Athleticism & Running Ability: He thrives in designed runs, using his strength and speed to dominate.
Limited Starting Experience: He only started 27 games at Alabama, leading to uncertainty about his development.
Questionable Accuracy: His deep passes are among the best in this draft class, but he struggles with short and intermediate throws.
While the NFL has seen successful dual-threat quarterbacks like Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Lamar Jackson, Milroe’s comparisons to these stars remain premature.
NFL Draft Stock and Todd McShay’s Take
Todd McShay, a respected draft analyst, ranked Jalen Milroe at #76 in his top-100 prospects list, projecting him as a mid-third-round pick. This position doesn’t guarantee success but also isn’t an indictment of his talent.
McShay highlighted both strengths and concerns in Milroe’s game:
1. Elite Deep Ball: He throws one of the most aesthetically pleasing deep passes in this draft class.
2. Inconsistent Short Throws: His accuracy within 10 yards of the line of scrimmage is one of the worst in his class.
3. Struggles with Off-Script Runs: While he excels in designed runs, he is less effective when scrambling.
McShay believes Milroe will need at least two years of development before becoming an NFL starter. He must refine his decision-making, field vision, and passing consistency to reach his potential.
Concerns About His Physique and Training Approach
Another major talking point has been Milroe’s intense focus on weight training. NFL scouts worry that his bulky frame could limit his flexibility and accuracy. McShay echoed these concerns, stating:
> “Get him out of the weight room, please! He needs more flexibility to improve as a passer.”
This perspective suggests that Milroe must shift his focus from pure strength to agility, flexibility, and throwing mechanics to maximize his potential.
The 40-Yard Dash and Pro Day Pressure
A key moment in Milroe’s draft process was his decision to skip the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. While many expected him to showcase his athleticism, he chose to wait and run at Alabama’s Pro Day instead.
This move has created added pressure, as analysts believe his Pro Day could be one of the most important workouts in this draft cycle. His stock could either rise significantly or remain stagnant depending on his performance.
Adam Breneman, a former Penn State player, ranked Milroe among the five prospects with the most to prove at their Pro Day. He pointed to Anthony Richardson’s meteoric rise in the 2023 draft cycle after a historic Combine performance, suggesting that Milroe could have capitalized on a similar opportunity by participating in the 40-yard dash earlier.
Final Thoughts: Can Milroe Become a Franchise QB?
Jalen Milroe possesses both the tangibles and intangibles to succeed as an NFL quarterback, but his development will depend on:
Landing in the right system with patient coaching.
Improving his passing mechanics and short-range accuracy.
Refining his football IQ to make quicker, smarter decisions.
If he is drafted around the 76th pick, Milroe could provide excellent value for a team that doesn’t need an immediate starter. However, if he lands in a chaotic franchise expecting instant results, he could struggle early in his career.
Ultimately, his success will hinge on whether he can put the puzzle pieces together quickly enough to prove he belongs among the NFL’s next wave of elite dual-threat quarterbacks.