Jalen Milroe Set to Compete in the Senior Bowl: A Key Step in His NFL Draft Journey
The Senior Bowl has long been regarded as one of the most important pre-draft showcases for aspiring NFL players, giving them a chance to perform in front of scouts, coaches, and executives. This year, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl, a decision that could significantly impact his draft stock. The Crimson Tide signal-caller, known for his dual-threat abilities and leadership, will have the opportunity to showcase his talents in a competitive setting, further proving himself as a legitimate NFL prospect.
Jalen Milroe’s College Career and Rise to Prominence
Milroe’s journey to becoming Alabama’s starting quarterback was anything but conventional. Originally recruited as a highly athletic prospect with a strong arm, he spent his early collegiate years developing behind established quarterbacks before earning the starting role in his junior season.
During his tenure with the Crimson Tide, Milroe demonstrated steady growth in his decision-making, accuracy, and poise under pressure. He finished his final college season with impressive stats, throwing for over 3,200 yards with 29 touchdowns and only 9 interceptions. In addition to his passing numbers, he was a dynamic runner, amassing 750 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. His ability to extend plays with his legs and throw deep downfield made him one of the most electrifying players in college football.
Milroe’s leadership was also a defining trait of his time at Alabama. Despite facing early criticism regarding his consistency, he maintained a resilient mindset and played a pivotal role in Alabama’s success. His ability to command the huddle and motivate his teammates stood out, earning him respect both within the program and from national analysts.
Why the Senior Bowl Matters for Milroe
The Senior Bowl presents a crucial opportunity for Milroe as he looks to boost his draft stock. Unlike scripted Pro Days or Combine workouts, the Senior Bowl allows quarterbacks to operate in a game-like setting, facing live defenses and adapting to different schemes. This environment will allow Milroe to display his pocket presence, decision-making, and ability to progress through reads in a pro-style system.
One of the main concerns surrounding Milroe as an NFL prospect is his passing consistency, particularly in intermediate and short throws. While his deep ball is one of his greatest strengths, scouts want to see improvement in his ability to deliver quick, accurate throws under pressure. Practicing and competing against top-tier defensive prospects throughout the Senior Bowl week will give Milroe an opportunity to refine this aspect of his game.
Additionally, his ability to learn and execute an NFL-style offense will be under scrutiny. The week of practices, led by NFL coaching staffs, will test his ability to absorb information quickly and apply it in a structured setting. If he can showcase improvements in reading defenses and making quick decisions, he could elevate his draft positioning significantly.
The Competition at the Senior Bowl
Milroe won’t be the only quarterback looking to make a statement in Mobile, Alabama. The 2025 Senior Bowl features a deep group of talented quarterbacks, each with unique skills and strengths. Some of his key competitors include:
- Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss): A strong-armed pocket passer with solid mechanics, Dart has shown flashes of brilliance but needs to prove he can operate effectively under pressure.
- Dillon Gabriel (Oregon): A veteran quarterback with impressive accuracy and anticipation, Gabriel’s experience makes him an intriguing mid-round option.
- Riley Leonard (Notre Dame): A well-rounded QB with a balanced skill set, Leonard has the potential to rise with a strong performance in the Senior Bowl.
Milroe’s challenge will be to distinguish himself from this group by showcasing his physical tools while proving that he has the polish needed to transition smoothly to the NFL. His athleticism already sets him apart, but it will be his passing consistency and decision-making that determine his ultimate draft value.
NFL Draft Stock: Where Does Milroe Stand?
As of now, Jalen Milroe is considered a mid-to-late-round prospect, with projections ranging from the third to fifth round. Some scouts view him as a high-upside developmental quarterback, while others believe he could be a potential starter with the right coaching and system.
One of the key aspects of his evaluation will be how well he performs under pressure. At Alabama, Milroe had the luxury of playing behind one of the best offensive lines in college football. In the NFL, he will face more frequent pressure, forcing him to make quick decisions and accurate throws. If he can demonstrate improvement in his ability to process defenses and get the ball out quickly, teams in need of a young, mobile quarterback could take a chance on him earlier than expected.
Potential NFL Fits for Milroe
Several NFL teams could be interested in Milroe as a developmental prospect, particularly those looking to add a young quarterback with dual-threat capabilities. Here are a few teams that could be a good fit:
- Atlanta Falcons – With a strong running game and an emerging defense, the Falcons could view Milroe as an intriguing backup option who could develop into a starter.
- Seattle Seahawks – Given their history with mobile quarterbacks, Seattle could see Milroe as an ideal project behind Geno Smith.
- Baltimore Ravens – Baltimore’s offense thrives with athletic quarterbacks, and Milroe could serve as a solid backup to Lamar Jackson.
- New York Giants – If the Giants move on from Daniel Jones, they may look for a quarterback with playmaking ability to develop behind a veteran.
- Las Vegas Raiders – The Raiders are in need of a young quarterback, and Milroe’s skill set could fit well in their offense.
Final Thoughts: Milroe’s Path to the NFL
Jalen Milroe’s journey to the NFL is just beginning, and the Senior Bowl will be a defining moment in his pre-draft process. While he already possesses the physical tools that scouts covet, his ability to refine his passing skills, process defenses, and perform well in a structured environment will determine how high he is selected in the draft.
A strong showing in Mobile could solidify his status as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the draft and potentially elevate him into an earlier round selection. Regardless of where he is ultimately drafted, Milroe’s combination of athleticism, leadership, and work ethic makes him an exciting prospect with significant long-term potential in the NFL.