Jalen Milroe’s journey to the NFL is a tale of raw athleticism mixed with lingering doubts. His explosive talent is undeniable, but questions about his college performance continue to cast a shadow. As the NFL Draft process heats up, scouts remain divided. While his NFL Combine numbers turned heads, they don’t erase the decision-making flaws from his collegiate days. And now, after a disappointing Pro Day, Milroe’s draft fate has taken an unexpected turn.
At Alabama’s Pro Day, Milroe clocked a blazing 4.37 in the 40-yard dash, according to NFL Network. However, his passing performance left much to be desired. Accuracy, touch on shorter passes, and ball placement between defensive levels remain question marks. While Milroe can launch deep bombs, he struggles with routine throws—raising doubts about his NFL readiness. Given that, his draft stock? A mixed bag. Some experts see him as a mid-to-late Day 2 pick, potentially landing in the 3rd or 4th round. So, while his ceiling is sky-high, teams must decide if they’re willing to bet on his development.
Here, Jalen Milroe’s NFL future took an unexpected turn as a $230 million QB’s history sparked a heated debate. On the March 22 episode of Nightcap, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson dropped a bombshell take on Milroe’s potential. Johnson weighed in with a strong stance, stating, “I’m giving you a different perspective on how us help immensely, being able to do two things and just not be one-dimensional. It’s okay to be able to have a quarterback that can use his legs. Look at the growth—look at the growth of Lamar Jackson.” As of now, with comparisons to Jackson, the conversation surrounding Milroe’s dual-threat ability just got even bigger.
But Johnson didn’t stop there, and he doubled down on the comparison, emphasizing Jackson’s evolution. “Look where he is now, look how far he’s come. It ain’t—it ain’t even about running no more. I’m running only if I have to because I become—now I’m a passer. I’m a passer of the ball, you know,” said Johnson.
However, in 2024, Jalen Milroe was Alabama’s ultimate dual-threat weapon. He led the team with 726 rushing yards and an incredible 20 TDs on the ground. On top of that, through the air, he racked up 2,844 passing yards, tossing 16 TDs. But then came the reality check for Milroe. “So, Milroe being able to run that fast is all—is great. It’s a good thing. But have you seen what he could do with his arm? Not nearly consistent enough,” said the CFB insider. Right now, Johnson’s words paint a clear picture—speed alone won’t cut it. So, to succeed at the next level, Milroe must refine his passing game, just like Jackson once did.
Jalen Milroe’s next move
Look, Lamar Jackson’s NFL journey is a blueprint for turning doubts into dominance. Drafted in 2018, critics questioned his passing accuracy and heavy reliance on his legs. But Jackson put in the work, and by 2023, he hit a career-high 67.2% completion rate, proving he’s more than just a runner. And now, Milroe finds himself in a similar spot. While his raw athleticism and cannon arm are undeniable, like early-career Jackson, his passing consistency remains a question mark.
However, Milroe recognizes the comparison, saying, “For someone that aspires to go to the NFL, just seeing as he takes his game to the next level each and every year… that’s inspiring for sure.” So, Milroe’s NFL future depends on refining his passing game, just like Jackson did. While the talent is there, the question is—will he take the next step?
You know, with several teams desperate for a QB, the Cleveland Browns could be a prime landing spot. His electric Pro Day performance has reignited talk of him being a high-draft pick. Milroe’s blend of speed, and raw potential makes him an intriguing option. So, if he can polish his passing game, he might just shoot up draft boards and land in a franchise ready to take a chance on his dynamic skill set.
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