Jalen Milroe once stood as one of college football’s most electrifying talents, a dynamic dual-threat quarterback whose potential seemed limitless. But as the NFL Draft inches closer, his stock has taken a dramatic nosedive, leaving scouts and executives with growing concerns. Last season, the Alabama quarterback faced an uphill battle, struggling with inconsistency at the helm of the Crimson Tide offense. Those issues, compounded by a lackluster showing at the Senior Bowl, have only deepened doubts about his NFL readiness.
Milroe had a golden opportunity to silence critics and reclaim his status as a coveted draft pick. Instead, his performance only added fuel to the fire. While his cannon-like deep throws were still a sight to behold, his short and intermediate passing game left much to be desired. Nerves appeared to get the best of him, leading to unsteady decision-making and accuracy issues—two glaring weaknesses that have significantly impacted his draft projections.
From Potential Star to Falling Prospect: The Harsh Reality of Milroe’s Draft Stock
In the wake of his underwhelming Senior Bowl performance, NFL Network’s Chad Reuter released a three-round mock draft, and the verdict wasn’t pretty for Milroe. Once touted as a potential first-rounder, the Alabama standout now finds himself projected at No. 52 overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers—a significant drop from where many once envisioned him.
To make matters more intriguing, rumors suggest that Pittsburgh’s scouts have taken a liking to Milroe’s raw talent. With the Steelers coming off a 10-7 season and looking to bolster their quarterback room under head coach Mike Tomlin, Milroe could still find himself in a promising situation. But not everyone is convinced.
Veteran analyst Greg Cosell didn’t hold back when breaking down Milroe’s shortcomings. “He’s not really a nuanced pocket player,” Cosell noted. “He’s got a big arm, he’s explosively dynamic as a runner, and he has a physical presence. But when it comes to pocket awareness, footwork, timing, and reading defenses, he’s far from polished.”
Milroe’s rare athleticism is undeniable. When he tucks the ball and takes off, he moves with the power of an old-school fullback combined with the speed of a top-tier skill player. That kind of explosiveness makes him a unique weapon, but will it be enough to overshadow his deficiencies as a passer?
Is Milroe Being Unfairly Blamed for Alabama’s Struggles?
Some argue that Milroe is shouldering an unfair amount of blame for Alabama’s offensive struggles. After all, transitioning from the legendary Nick Saban era was bound to come with growing pains. As first-year head coach Kalen DeBoer pointed out, Milroe played a crucial role in keeping the Crimson Tide together amid a period of uncertainty.
Sure, there were missteps, but there were also flashes of brilliance. Who could forget his commanding performance against LSU, where he single-handedly dismantled Brian Kelly’s playoff hopes? Or his first-half dominance against Georgia, where he had the Bulldogs on their heels? Even when Georgia mounted a late fourth-quarter comeback, Milroe responded with a clutch pass to Ryan Williams, proving he could deliver in high-pressure moments.
Yet, despite those highlights, Cosell believes Milroe remains a work in progress. “He’s got the arm strength and the aggressive throwing mentality, but he lacks the nuances of a refined passer,” Cosell emphasized. “His footwork, vision, and ability to anticipate throws simply aren’t where they need to be for the NFL level.”
Patience is Key: Can Milroe Follow the Path of Late-Blooming Stars?
The buzz surrounding Jalen Milroe has cooled significantly, and for now, he’s no longer viewed as a franchise savior. But that doesn’t mean his NFL dreams are over. History has shown that not all great quarterbacks start as first-round picks. Superstars like Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels faced their share of skeptics before proving their doubters wrong. Could Milroe follow a similar trajectory?
Daniel Jeremiah, host of the Move the Sticks podcast, believes patience is the key. “Jalen Milroe has to be developed, but his running ability is one of the most elite traits in this draft class,” Jeremiah explained. “It’s going to take time, but if he’s willing to grind, the payoff could be huge.”
Still, the reality is harsh. The Super Bowl scouting debacle left a lasting impression, raising red flags about Milroe’s ball security, decision-making, and accuracy. At one point, he was projected as a surefire second-round pick. Now, some analysts, like Barry Shuck from the Dawg Podcast, wouldn’t be shocked if Milroe falls to the third round.
Where he lands will be one of the draft’s most intriguing storylines. Will an NFL team see past his flaws and bet on his raw talent? Or will his shortcomings overshadow his potential, causing him to slide further than anyone expected? One thing is certain: Milroe’s NFL journey is just beginning, but the road ahead will be anything but smooth.
