In the NFL, the smallest things can drastically change a player’s career. A dropped pass might end a team’s playoff hopes, while a strange interview could drop a once-promising first-rounder into the later rounds. At the same time, a flashy highlight video or a positive rumor could catapult a lesser-known player into the top picks. The 2025 NFL Draft was a clear example of this unpredictable nature.
At Alabama, there’s plenty of excitement—and some lingering frustration. Quarterback Jalen Milroe was selected in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks. However, his tight end teammate, CJ Dippre, was left waiting, undrafted, with his phone silent. It raises the question: Did Milroe’s inconsistencies hurt Dippre’s chances? Once again, the harsh truth of the draft shines through—one player lives their dream, while another watches it slip away.
In the 2025 NFL Draft, seven former Alabama players were selected. Top talents like Tyler Booker and Jihaad Campbell heard their names called in the first round, highlighting Alabama’s elite reputation. Yet, for others, the process wasn’t so smooth. Four former Crimson Tide players signed as undrafted free agents: long snapper Kneeland Hibbett with the Miami Dolphins, punter James Burnip with the New Orleans Saints, kicker Graham Nicholson (still unsigned at the time), and tight end CJ Dippre with the New England Patriots. Dippre’s case stands out the most. Once considered a solid mid-round prospect, his draft stock plummeted, possibly due to factors beyond his control. In football, a player’s destiny is often linked to the performances of their teammates.
Despite being overlooked in all seven rounds, Dippre remains a legitimate NFL talent. He boasts the size and skill fit for Sundays. His absence from the draft surprised many, including commentators on the “Locked On Bama” podcast. Jimmy Stein expressed disbelief, noting Dippre’s physical stats: 6’5”, 250 pounds, the third-fastest tight end at the combine with a 4.69-second 40-yard dash, and the strongest among his position group in the bench press. Stein pointed out that Dippre outproduced several tight ends who were drafted in terms of catches and yards. To him, the snub made no sense.
There’s a theory floating around—maybe Dippre’s draft slide wasn’t about him at all. On the podcast, Luke Robinson suggested that playing with Jalen Milroe might have hurt Dippre’s draft stock. Milroe, known for favoring certain receivers and often missing tight ends in his reads, could have indirectly impacted Dippre’s visibility and production.
Jimmy Stein emphasized that it wasn’t due to medical issues or bad interviews, noting he had personally interviewed Dippre and found no red flags. He speculated that Dippre was projected as a fifth-round pick at best, but even then, his fall to undrafted status was puzzling given his size, speed, and strength. Stein also described Dippre as an average blocker, suggesting that while he wasn’t elite in every area, he was definitely good enough to be drafted.
The debate continues: Was Dippre unfairly penalized because of Milroe’s uneven passing ability? Or were there other unseen factors at play?
Regardless, Dippre’s NFL journey isn’t over. After the draft, he signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent, announcing the move via Instagram. While he faces a tougher road ahead, Dippre’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism keeps hope alive that he can carve out a role in the league.
Meanwhile, Jalen Milroe’s NFL journey begins with the Seahawks, who clearly see him as a quarterback. Despite speculation that he might be used similarly to Taysom Hill (known for his multi-position versatility with the Saints), Seattle’s head coach Mike Macdonald made it clear: Milroe will strictly train and play as a quarterback. Macdonald praised Milroe’s athleticism and ability to extend plays, noting that defenders have to be prepared not just for the initial play, but for Milroe’s improvisations after things break down.
Milroe’s incredible speed—he ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash and reached speeds over 21 miles per hour—makes him a dynamic threat. However, the real test will be how much he can grow as a passer. Success at the professional level will demand that Milroe sharpen his throwing skills to match his elite athletic ability.
The 2025 NFL Draft reminded everyone just how fine the margins are between achieving a dream and facing disappointment. For players like CJ Dippre, the journey isn’t over; it’s just the beginning of a harder but still promising path.