Jalen Milroe, the two-year starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has declared his intention to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, setting the stage for an intriguing evaluation process by NFL teams. His announcement via Instagram marks the beginning of his transition to the professional level, where his unique blend of strengths and weaknesses will be closely scrutinized. Milroe offers a tantalizing combination of athleticism and arm talent, but also presents questions about his consistency and refinement as a passer. This duality is likely to make him a polarizing prospect, with some teams viewing him as a potential game-changer and others hesitant about his developmental trajectory.
Milroe’s prowess as a runner is undeniable. His 2024 season showcased his ability to devastate defenses with his legs, accumulating 726 rushing yards and an impressive 20 rushing touchdowns. This dynamic running ability immediately adds a dimension to any offense and creates headaches for defensive coordinators. However, the area requiring the most attention is his passing mechanics. While possessing a powerful arm capable of making all the necessary throws, his technique needs further refinement to improve accuracy and consistency. Despite these concerns, his ability to stretch the field vertically and deliver the ball outside the numbers remains a valuable asset.
The New York Jets, facing uncertainty surrounding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ future, emerge as a potential landing spot for Milroe. Should Rodgers depart, the Jets’ new head coach, yet to be appointed, could be drawn to Milroe’s raw potential. The envisioned scenario involves Milroe learning the ropes behind a veteran bridge quarterback for the first few seasons, allowing him time to hone his skills and adapt to the complexities of the NFL game. This approach would provide a crucial developmental period, minimizing pressure while maximizing his learning opportunities.
The Las Vegas Raiders, projected to hold the No. 8 overall pick, present another intriguing possibility. Having presumably moved out of contention for highly touted prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders, the Raiders might see Milroe as a worthy alternative. The team’s coaching staff, led by Antonio Pierce or his successor, could be captivated by Milroe’s physical tools and envision him developing behind a seasoned veteran. Similar to the Jets’ potential plan, this would provide a structured environment for growth and minimize the risks associated with immediate starting responsibilities.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, facing the potential free agency of Russell Wilson, could also be in the Milroe sweepstakes. Re-signing Wilson and pairing him with Milroe would create a valuable mentorship opportunity, mirroring Wilson’s previous guidance of Justin Fields. Fields, like Milroe, thrives on athleticism and mobility, traits that proved successful in offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s run-heavy system. This parallel suggests that Milroe could flourish in a similar scheme, learning from a veteran while contributing his unique skillset.
The Los Angeles Rams, with aging quarterback Matthew Stafford entering the twilight of his career, face the imperative of developing a succession plan. Stafford has two years remaining on his contract, providing a window for grooming a future starter. Milroe would benefit immensely from learning under Stafford and playing within Sean McVay’s quarterback-friendly system. This combination of veteran guidance and offensive ingenuity could be the ideal catalyst for Milroe’s development before eventually taking over the reins in Los Angeles.
Finally, the New Orleans Saints, with lingering questions surrounding the quarterback position, could view Milroe as a potential long-term solution. With Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener failing to solidify their roles as franchise quarterbacks, the Saints might look to the draft for an answer. Derek Carr’s presence on the roster provides a valuable mentoring opportunity for a young quarterback. This scenario allows Milroe to learn the nuances of the NFL while the Saints tailor their offensive system to maximize his strengths.
