On Thursday, junior Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay.
Most talent evaluators think Milroe is an intriguing prospect, but he doesn’t seem NFL-ready.
On his updated big board, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. rates Milroe (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) as his No. 3 QB in the 2025 class, behind Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Unlike Ward and Sanders, he may not be a first-round pick.
In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the New York Giants (3-13) take him with pick No. 35 in the second round.
In a recent scouting report, Bleacher Report’s Dame Parson noted Milroe is the “most physically gifted QB” in the class but must improve as a passer.
“Granted, he has a lively arm, but Milroe must begin throwing with more anticipation,” wrote Parson. “It appears he does not fully trust his eyes and what he is witnessing between the defense and route concepts in the short and intermediate areas of the defense.”
Milroe also struggled with turnovers this season. In 13 starts, he recorded career highs in interceptions (11) and fumbles lost (six). In a 19-13 loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Tuesday, he committed three turnovers (two fumbles lost and one interception) in the first quarter.
Despite the concerns, teams may be willing to bet on Milroe’s potential as a dual-threat QB. In four seasons with the Crimson Tide, he had 78 touchdowns (45 passing and 33 rushing).
Milroe certainly has some upside, but he still needs time to grow. The team that drafts him should consider having him sit and learn for a year.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts — a former Alabama/Oklahoma star — started four games during his rookie season in 2020. Since then, he has made two Pro Bowls and guided the Eagles to Super Bowl LVII. Milroe could benefit from a similar path.
