After taking over for Bryce Young at Alabama in 2023, Jalen Milroe got off to a rocky start. His tenure at Alabama was defined by inconsistencies but also flashes of brilliance. Milroe was benched three games into the 2023 season but returned to lead Alabama to an appearance in the College Football Playoffs. He enters the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects at his position. This in-depth scouting report explains why Milroe has a chance to get drafted higher than some might expect.
Measurables:
6’2″
217 pounds
Overview and Film Analysis Of 2025 NFL Draft Prospect Jalen Milroe – A strong-armed quarterback with inconsistencies but high upside.
Player Background:
Jalen Milroe was one of the top dual-threat quarterback prospects coming out of high school in 2020. He received several offers and ultimately committed to Nick Saban at Alabama. After sitting behind Bryce Young for two years, Milroe took the reins in 2023. His early days at Alabama included him being benched in favor of Tyler Buchner against South Florida. Once Milroe returned as the starter the following game, however, his team got hot and nearly made the College Football Playoff National Championship.
Like the Alabama Crimson Tide, Milroe took a step back in 2024. Scouts will see on his tape a player who seemed to try to do too much at times in 2024. Being such a great athlete made Milroe at times lean on his athleticism instead of working through progressions as a passer and developing as a quarterback. Both his 2023 and 2024 tape are filled with splash plays and big-time throws, but there’s not enough to know if he can put it all together and be a starting-caliber quarterback in the NFL.
Strengths:
One of the things that makes Milroe such a compelling quarterback prospect is his blend of size, speed, and arm strength. At Alabama, he displayed the ability to run through tackles and take on contact. He is long speed can kill defenses and his quick twitch can make defenders look silly in open space. If things get bottled up at the line, Milroe can bounce a run outside and take it the distance, making him a threat to score from any point on the field.
Nick Saban even singled Milroe out as being the fastest player on the field when he was calling Alabama’s 2024 game against Georgia. There’s no mistaking Milroe’s speed, and that is part of what makes him so dangerous as a playmaker.
With a cannon for an arm, Milroe can test defenses deep and has the downfield accuracy to connect on deep throws. His quick release is evident on deeper throws and he can make it look effortless. Between his big arm and long speed, Milroe’s big-play ability is what makes him so enticing as a prospect.
Weaknesses:
Milroe struggles at times with the little things. Throughout his career at Alabama, Milroe was just as good for a big play as he was taking a drive-killing sack or throwing a baffling interception. Especially in 2024, several of his throws were off-target and at times his timing was sped up by his inclination to take off and run. He panicked too much in the pocket in 2024, which will be a red flag for scouts. The offensive line at Alabama took a step back in 2024, however, so the Crimson Tide’s regression on offense did not all fall on Milroe.
While he’s most dangerous as a runner, Milroe needs to show more patience going through progressions. The mistakes that got him benched to start the 2023 season showed up in several games in 2024. Working with a coach who can help him improve his footwork would help immensely. Milroe would also benefit from landing on a team that has a solid offensive line, as his play can be heavily dictated by how much pressure he faces and the amount of time he has in the pocket.
Ultimately, Milroe’s landing spot will go a long way in determining his outlook as a future starter in the NFL. With time to sit, Milroe can flourish into a premier playmaker in the NFL. If Milroe is forced to play too soon, he may never reach his full potential at the next level.
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Main Photo: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
