As college football fans eagerly await the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the most talked-about prospects in the quarterback class has been Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. After a rollercoaster ride through his college career at Alabama, Milroe has finally made his decision about whether he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft or return for another season with the Crimson Tide. With this announcement, Milroe’s future has become a focal point for both NFL scouts and college football enthusiasts, with his decision set to have a significant impact on the Alabama program, as well as his own future aspirations. In this blog post, we’ll explore Milroe’s decision, his journey at Alabama, the potential impact of his choice on his draft stock, and what it means for the Alabama football team.
Jalen Milroe’s College Journey: A Look Back
Jalen Milroe’s path to becoming a key figure in Alabama football has been marked by resilience and growth. Milroe first arrived at Alabama as a highly touted four-star recruit from Katy, Texas. He showed immense promise during his high school career, excelling both as a passer and as a runner, and he quickly gained attention for his dual-threat ability. Despite his impressive high school resume, Milroe found himself behind Bryce Young, the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, on Alabama’s depth chart when he first arrived in Tuscaloosa.
Milroe spent his first year at Alabama learning from one of the best quarterbacks in college football history in Bryce Young, and his time on the sidelines was invaluable in terms of preparation. Young’s dominance at the position set a high bar, and Milroe’s development throughout the 2022 season allowed him to gain crucial experience and insight into what it takes to lead a program of Alabama’s stature. However, Milroe didn’t have to wait long to get his opportunity.
When Bryce Young declared for the NFL Draft after the 2022 season, Milroe’s moment to shine arrived. Alabama fans were eager to see what Milroe could do as the starting quarterback, and his first season in the lead role was filled with highs and lows. Milroe displayed his incredible athleticism, showcasing his ability to extend plays with his legs and make impressive throws on the run. He also struggled with consistency as a passer, often showing flashes of brilliance but also dealing with inaccuracy and decision-making issues at times.
Throughout the 2023 season, Milroe continued to show promise as a dual-threat quarterback, with his combination of speed, strength, and arm talent keeping opposing defenses on edge. He led the Crimson Tide to a solid season, overcoming setbacks and helping to guide the team through a challenging SEC slate. Despite some growing pains, Milroe demonstrated that he had the potential to develop into an elite quarterback at the next level.
Milroe’s Decision: Declare for the 2025 NFL Draft or Return for Another Season?
With his college career nearing its conclusion, Milroe faced one of the most significant decisions of his life: Should he declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, or should he return to Alabama for another season and work to refine his skills further?
This is a decision that many players in Milroe’s position face, and the stakes are high. On one hand, declaring for the draft could allow Milroe to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing in the NFL, potentially joining one of the league’s 32 teams. On the other hand, returning to Alabama for another season could provide Milroe with the opportunity to further develop his passing game, fine-tune his decision-making, and increase his draft stock.
Milroe’s decision-making process likely involved discussions with Alabama’s coaching staff, family, and advisors, as well as his evaluation of his own potential in the NFL. Over the past few months, there have been whispers that Milroe was leaning toward declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. His athleticism, raw talent, and potential upside made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, and many scouts were already projecting him as a possible first-round selection, depending on how he performed in the coming months.
However, Milroe’s decision would ultimately depend on how he views his current draft stock and his potential for further development. The 2025 quarterback class, which already includes high-profile players like Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina), and Quinn Ewers (Texas), would certainly be a competitive one, and Milroe would need to consider how he stacks up against these top-tier prospects. A strong performance in the 2024 season, with more consistency in his passing game, could propel Milroe to the top of the draft board, but there was also a risk of entering a highly crowded and competitive quarterback class without enough of a standout season to separate himself.
After much anticipation, Jalen Milroe has officially announced that he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision marks a new chapter in his football career, one that will see him take the next step toward professional football. For Milroe, it’s a recognition that he has the potential to compete at the next level and that now is the time to test his skills against the best in the world.
What Does Milroe’s Decision Mean for His NFL Draft Stock?
Milroe’s declaration for the 2025 NFL Draft has profound implications for his future. The NFL is always on the lookout for quarterbacks who can combine athleticism with arm strength and the potential for development, and Milroe fits that profile. His dual-threat ability—especially his prowess as a runner—has made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams that value mobility in their quarterbacks. His size (standing 6 feet, 2 inches) and strong arm have already garnered attention from scouts, and his decision to enter the draft will only add to the intrigue surrounding him.
However, Milroe still has plenty of room to grow as a passer. His decision-making and accuracy will be key factors in determining his draft position. In the NFL, where passing is the primary mode of operation, teams will want to see improved accuracy, touch on deep passes, and the ability to read defenses. Milroe’s ability to show improvement in these areas during the NFL Combine and his pro-day workouts will play a pivotal role in how high he’s selected.
As it stands, Milroe is projected to be a late first-round or early second-round pick, depending on his performance in the lead-up to the draft. His mobility and playmaking ability could land him in the first round, but his passing consistency will be the major area under scrutiny. He will need to impress at the combine and during workouts in order to solidify his place among the top quarterbacks in this class.
What Does This Decision Mean for Alabama Football?
Milroe’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft is a pivotal moment for Alabama football, and it raises several questions for the program moving forward. As one of the most storied programs in college football, Alabama has been able to reload at nearly every position over the years, and quarterback is no exception. However, losing Milroe means that the Crimson Tide will need to identify their next starting quarterback, and this could lead to an interesting battle for the position heading into the 2024 season.
Several players are vying for the role, including highly touted recruits and potential transfers. Alabama’s coaching staff, led by Nick Saban, will have to work quickly to solidify their quarterback position as they aim to maintain their high standards of excellence. While Milroe’s departure leaves a hole in the roster, Alabama has proven time and time again that it has the resources and coaching ability to find and develop talented quarterbacks.
Conclusion: Milroe’s Bold Step Toward the NFL
Jalen Milroe’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft is a significant milestone in his career and an exciting moment for the Alabama football program. With a mix of athleticism, raw talent, and upside, Milroe has the potential to make a major impact in the NFL, but his journey is far from over. His development over the next several months will be closely watched by NFL scouts, coaches, and fans alike, as they look for signs that Milroe can become a starting quarterback at the professional level. For now, the focus shifts to the upcoming draft, where Milroe will have the chance to prove that his potential is ready to be realized on the grandest stage.
