Jalen Milroe’s decision to attend the 2025 NFL Draft’s first round, despite his relatively unpolished skill set, has intrigued many in the football world. The Alabama quarterback has had an up-and-down college career, with flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistencies that raise questions about his readiness for the NFL. However, there are compelling reasons why Milroe, despite his rough edges, is being viewed as a first-round prospect in the upcoming draft.
Milroe’s athleticism is perhaps the first and most glaring factor that makes him an intriguing NFL prospect. Standing at 6’2” and weighing around 225 pounds, Milroe has the physical traits of a prototypical modern quarterback. His speed and mobility set him apart, with his ability to extend plays with his legs being one of his defining characteristics. Milroe’s dual-threat ability—being able to both run and pass—makes him a dynamic player. In college, his ability to scramble and pick up yardage on the ground has drawn comparisons to some of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL. His speed in the open field, combined with a strong frame, makes him a dangerous weapon for opposing defenses to contend with. It is this athleticism that draws NFL scouts’ attention, as the league continues to evolve and place a premium on mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays and create off-schedule opportunities.
In addition to his athleticism, Milroe possesses impressive arm strength. His ability to make deep throws down the field is one of his standout features. He has shown flashes of impressive accuracy and velocity on long passes, particularly in situations where he is able to set his feet and deliver a strong throw. Milroe has demonstrated an ability to make throws on the run, and his deep-ball accuracy, though inconsistent at times, shows a high ceiling for development. For NFL teams looking for a quarterback with the potential to stretch the field vertically, Milroe’s arm strength is certainly a major selling point.
However, it is not just his physical tools that have many excited about Milroe’s potential; it’s the opportunity for development under the right coaching. Milroe’s time at Alabama has been somewhat of a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance interrupted by stretches of inconsistency. One area where Milroe has struggled is with his decision-making. He has shown a tendency to make poor decisions under pressure, particularly when it comes to forcing throws into tight coverage or misreading defenses. Additionally, his mechanics can occasionally break down, leading to inaccurate passes. His performance in big games has also been a mixed bag, with some analysts pointing out his inability to consistently play at a high level against top-tier competition.
Despite these areas of concern, Milroe’s potential remains undeniable. His struggles with accuracy, decision-making, and consistency are issues that many NFL teams feel can be addressed with the right coaching and time. Much like other raw, but physically gifted quarterbacks, Milroe’s upside is what makes him so intriguing. With the right development, he could become a more polished passer who can deliver with precision from the pocket while maintaining his ability to make plays on the move. NFL teams are willing to take risks on quarterbacks with high upside, especially those who possess elite physical traits and show glimpses of greatness in their college careers.
Milroe’s decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, particularly in the first round, is also fueled by the shifting landscape of the NFL quarterback market. As the league places increasing importance on mobility and playmaking ability from the quarterback position, teams are becoming more willing to take chances on quarterbacks who may not have the most refined skills but have the physical tools to succeed in the modern game. The rise of quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts has shown NFL teams that a quarterback’s ability to create with his legs and throw the ball with velocity is incredibly valuable. For this reason, Milroe’s dual-threat ability could be exactly what some NFL teams are looking for.
Another factor in Milroe’s decision to attend the first round of the NFL Draft is the highly competitive nature of college football. At Alabama, he has been under the spotlight since his first season, and while he hasn’t always played up to the lofty expectations set for him, the pressure of playing for one of the most successful college programs in history has certainly prepared him for the high stakes of the NFL. Having played under the intense scrutiny that comes with being an Alabama quarterback, Milroe has developed a mental toughness that could serve him well as he enters the NFL. His time at Alabama has provided him with the opportunity to face some of the best defenses in the country, which has prepared him for the kind of competition he will face in the NFL.
Milroe’s decision to enter the draft also aligns with the growing trend of quarterbacks entering the NFL after only a few years of college experience. The trend of “one-and-done” quarterbacks, where players leave college early to pursue their professional careers, has been accelerating in recent years. Many quarterbacks, particularly those with physical gifts like Milroe, believe that they can continue to improve and develop at the professional level, where the competition and resources available are far more advanced than what they experienced in college. The push for immediate returns on investment from NFL franchises has also made it more appealing for players to enter the draft as early as possible, knowing that they may get a better opportunity to compete and develop at the next level.
Alabama’s offense in recent seasons has also put Milroe in a position to be evaluated by NFL scouts. While the Alabama offense has been known for its traditional power-run game, Milroe has had opportunities to showcase his skill set in various offensive schemes. This includes playing in both pro-style and spread systems, which has provided him with valuable experience in different offensive philosophies. This versatility, along with the coaching pedigree he’s experienced under Nick Saban, gives NFL teams confidence that Milroe can adapt to the varied offenses they run at the professional level.
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, Milroe’s combination of athleticism, arm strength, and upside as a developmental quarterback has led many experts to believe he could go in the first round. Even with the concerns about his consistency, there are few quarterbacks in the 2025 class who possess the physical traits and the potential for growth that Milroe brings to the table. As teams look to invest in quarterbacks who can fit into the modern, mobile quarterback mold, Milroe could be one of the most coveted prospects, despite his lack of polish. His decision to attend the NFL Draft is a reflection of his belief that he can succeed at the next level and that, with the right coaching, he can refine his game and become the quarterback that NFL teams are hoping he can be.
Jalen Milroe’s decision to attend the 2025 NFL Draft’s first round is a calculated move based on his impressive physical attributes and the potential for future development. Despite his inconsistencies and areas for improvement, Milroe’s raw talent has caught the attention of NFL scouts, who see a quarterback with the potential to develop into a dynamic playmaker in the league. With his unique blend of athleticism, arm strength, and ability to make plays on the run, Milroe represents the future of the NFL quarterback position, where mobility and playmaking are becoming increasingly important. For Milroe, the 2025 NFL Draft represents the beginning of a new chapter in his football career, where he will have the opportunity to develop and prove his worth as a first-round pick.
