Jalen Milroe’s journey in football began long before he arrived at Alabama. Hailing from the Houston, Texas area, Milroe was a highly regarded high school prospect known for his combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism. He earned recognition as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation, which ultimately led to his commitment to Alabama in 2021.
At Alabama, Milroe found himself in a competitive quarterback room alongside future NFL prospects, including Bryce Young, who was the Crimson Tide’s starter during Milroe’s early years at the program. Despite limited opportunities in his freshman and sophomore seasons, Milroe made an impression during his appearances, particularly with his ability to make plays with his legs. His athleticism stood out, as he demonstrated the ability to escape pressure and create big plays on the ground, adding an extra dimension to the Alabama offense.
Milroe’s most notable start came in the 2022 season when he was thrust into action as the starting quarterback in Alabama’s game against Texas A&M, after an injury to Bryce Young. Milroe showed flashes of brilliance, particularly with his running ability, but also had moments of inconsistency with his passing. This game showcased his dual-threat potential, but also highlighted the areas in which he would need to improve, especially his decision-making and accuracy.
In 2023, Milroe entered the season as a potential contender for the starting role, with Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban facing a quarterback competition. After an offseason of development and preparation, Milroe eventually earned the starting position, succeeding Bryce Young as Alabama’s QB1. Throughout the season, he continued to showcase his athleticism and ability to make plays with his legs, but the main question surrounding Milroe was whether he could refine his passing game to complement his natural talents.
Milroe’s combination of size (standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 220 pounds) and mobility makes him an intriguing prospect for both college football and the NFL. His speed and quickness as a runner can make him a dangerous weapon on designed quarterback runs, scrambles, and read options. However, the next step in his development would be to refine his mechanics, improve his accuracy, and elevate his consistency as a passer.
As the 2024 NFL Draft draws nearer, Milroe’s decision about whether to enter the draft, return to college, or possibly explore a transfer could have major implications for his career. If Milroe chooses to declare for the draft, he would likely attract interest from NFL teams looking for a quarterback with both raw potential and the ability to impact the game with his legs. Some scouts see him as a project quarterback with high upside, while others believe his potential is limited if he does not show significant improvement in his passing skills.
If Milroe chooses to transfer, the New York Giants have been mentioned as a potential landing spot due to their need for a dynamic quarterback. The Giants, who have been searching for a franchise QB for years, could look at Milroe as a candidate to develop behind current starter Daniel Jones or to potentially compete for the starting job in the future. Milroe’s athleticism could fit well into an offense that wants to utilize a quarterback who can extend plays with his legs.
However, Milroe’s decision will likely come down to a combination of his personal growth, NFL feedback, and his goals for the future. Whether he enters the NFL draft or stays in college for another season, Jalen Milroe’s career remains a compelling story, with the potential for greatness depending on how he develops his skills and capitalizes on the opportunities ahead.
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