Jalen Milroe, the talented quarterback from the University of Alabama, has been the center of intense debate ever since he made the decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite being a relatively new starter at Alabama and with a limited body of work as the team’s starting quarterback, Milroe’s decision to enter the draft has sparked controversy across the college football world, the NFL scouting community, and beyond. On one hand, Milroe is a highly gifted athlete with tremendous potential, but on the other, his relatively short stint as a starter raises questions about whether he’s ready for the NFL’s next level.
Milroe, who had big shoes to fill following the departure of former Alabama stars like Bryce Young, has undoubtedly shown flashes of brilliance during his time in Tuscaloosa. However, some critics argue that his decision to declare for the draft comes too early, leaving many to wonder if he might be making a mistake by leaving college football behind. On the flip side, his supporters believe that the decision to make the jump is not only warranted but could prove to be a strategic move for his long-term career. This article dives deep into the controversy surrounding Jalen Milroe’s NFL Draft decision, examining both sides of the debate.
Milroe’s Quick Rise to Prominence
Before we dive into the controversy, let’s take a look at Milroe’s career and how he reached this point. A highly touted recruit from Texas, Milroe joined Alabama as a four-star prospect with a reputation for his dual-threat ability—showcasing both an explosive arm and impressive speed. After a brief stint as the backup quarterback behind Bryce Young in 2022, Milroe got his chance to start during the 2023 season after Young entered the NFL Draft.
In 2023, Milroe displayed flashes of brilliance, demonstrating his impressive athleticism with big plays both in the air and on the ground. His ability to make plays with his legs set him apart from typical quarterbacks, making him a major threat in both designed runs and scrambling situations. With Milroe’s combination of size (6’2”, 220 pounds), speed, and arm strength, it’s easy to see why NFL scouts have taken notice.
Despite his undeniable talent, Milroe’s time as Alabama’s starter was inconsistent. He had moments of brilliance, but also struggled with accuracy, decision-making, and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. Milroe had some high-profile games in 2023, including a big win against Tennessee, but there were also moments where his performance didn’t match the expectations that come with playing at a premier program like Alabama.
This inconsistency has led to the ongoing debate about whether Milroe is ready for the NFL. With just one season as a starter under his belt, many wonder if he has developed enough as a quarterback to thrive at the next level.
The Case for Milroe Declaring for the NFL Draft
There are, of course, many arguments in favor of Milroe making the leap to the NFL, despite his limited starting experience.
1. Physical Tools Are Unmatched
One of the strongest arguments for Milroe’s early declaration is his immense physical talent. His athleticism is off the charts, and he possesses all the physical tools that NFL teams look for in a quarterback. His arm strength allows him to make all the throws needed in an NFL offense, and his speed and mobility make him a true dual-threat quarterback. In an era where mobile quarterbacks are becoming increasingly valuable, Milroe’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs makes him a tantalizing prospect.
2. Opportunity to Develop in the NFL
Another argument in favor of Milroe declaring for the draft is the opportunity to develop in the NFL. With quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts leading successful offenses, the NFL has increasingly become a league where quarterbacks with athleticism and versatility can thrive. Milroe could potentially be drafted by a team that is willing to invest time in developing him, giving him the chance to refine his skills at the highest level while learning from established NFL coaches and veteran quarterbacks.
3. No Guarantee of College Success
From Milroe’s perspective, staying in college for another season may not guarantee future success. In fact, there are risks associated with returning for another year. Injuries, regression, or simply a lack of improvement could harm his draft stock. By declaring for the draft now, Milroe locks in his future and avoids potentially jeopardizing his standing by staying in college. The risk of returning to college football and underperforming may outweigh the potential benefits.
4. NFL Teams Are Always Looking for the Next Big Thing
The NFL draft is notoriously unpredictable. Every year, quarterbacks with varying levels of experience and success in college football are drafted. Some players develop into stars, while others fall short of expectations. Milroe might see an opportunity to capitalize on the NFL’s constant search for the next big quarterback. With the right team, coaching staff, and development program, Milroe could reach his full potential much sooner than many anticipate.
The Case Against Milroe Declaring for the NFL Draft
On the other hand, Milroe’s decision has sparked significant backlash, particularly from college football pundits, analysts, and fans. Many believe that Milroe is not ready for the jump to the NFL just yet. Here are some reasons why:
1. Inconsistent Play in College
Despite his raw talent, Milroe’s performances as Alabama’s starting quarterback have been inconsistent. He’s struggled with accuracy, especially on intermediate and deep throws, and his decision-making has been questioned at times. The jump to the NFL is a massive leap in terms of speed, competition, and sophistication of defenses. Many believe that Milroe would benefit from another year of development under Alabama head coach Nick Saban, working on refining his mechanics, decision-making, and overall understanding of the game.
2. Lack of Full-Time Starting Experience
Milroe’s lack of experience as a full-time starter at the college level is a major concern. While he played a significant role in Alabama’s offense during the 2023 season, he still only has a small sample size of games as the team’s main quarterback. NFL teams typically want to see more consistency and a larger body of work before investing in a quarterback in the first round, especially one who may need significant development. Many critics argue that Milroe’s decision to leave early might hurt his draft stock, as he hasn’t yet proven he can lead an offense to the level expected at the professional level.
3. Heavily Dependent on Athleticism
While Milroe’s athleticism is a major asset, it’s also a potential red flag. Historically, quarterbacks who rely too much on their physical traits and don’t develop as pure passers have struggled in the NFL. The NFL is a much more pass-heavy league than college football, and quarterbacks are expected to be sharp decision-makers and accurate passers. Some worry that Milroe might be more of a project than an immediate starter, and taking the leap to the NFL now might hinder his long-term development.
4. Possible Slide in the Draft
There’s a real possibility that Milroe’s early declaration could backfire. If he doesn’t perform well in the pre-draft process—during the combine, interviews, and private workouts—Milroe could see his draft stock slide. Instead of being selected high, he could fall to a mid-round or later pick, where he might be stuck as a backup or not even make a roster. The lack of a full season as Alabama’s starter could leave NFL teams with doubts about his readiness to play at the highest level.
Conclusion: Will Milroe’s Decision Pay Off?
Jalen Milroe’s decision to declare for the NFL Draft in 2025 is a polarizing one. While there are certainly compelling arguments in favor of his decision, there are also serious concerns about his readiness for the challenges of the NFL. His physical talent is undeniable, but there’s still much to prove in terms of his consistency and development as a quarterback.
Ultimately, Milroe’s future in the NFL will depend on where he lands, how well he’s developed, and whether he can refine his skills to match the expectations of the professional game. As his draft process continues, we’ll undoubtedly see more speculation, debate, and controversy surrounding his decision. Whether he becomes the next dual-threat star in the NFL or struggles to find success, Milroe’s choice to turn pro early will remain a topic of discussion for years to come.