Jalen Milroe is easily one of the hottest topics at this year’s NFL draft. Sure, his 2024 didn’t go as he hoped. It started well for Kalen DeBoer’s QB1. However, given offensive flaws in Nick Sheridan’s schemes and Milroe’s failure to evolve his passing game, the Tide had some disappointing losses. The one against Oklahoma was particularly striking. At the same time, we also saw the best of Milroe. The game against Georgia, where he had 491 total yards (374 passing yards) and four touchdowns, is just an example of what he can accomplish. Then there was the game against LSU when Milroe ran, and ran, and ran some more. Only to run Brian Kelly off the playoffs.
We know Jalen Milroe is the textbook definition of what a project quarterback. It would be fitting for someone like him to step into a new era of a worthy team and carry their legacy. While he looks good to go as a starting quarterback, Milroe might have more in his arsenal if he sat out for a year at least, according to some analysts. A Jets insider also thinks Milroe could be an even better talent as a developmental quarterback. The team let go of veteran Aaron Rodgers and signed former Steelers QB Justin Fields from free agency. But there is chatter about the Jets going back to the draft for another quarterback.
In a March 23 video, the host of Jets Central shares how the whole scenario plays out. “I think the Jets are still interested in taking a developmental quarterback, and Jalen Milroe is an interesting option.” He then goes on to list where the Alabama QB excels.
“He’s coming in at 6’ 2” 217. I would say he’s easily the most athletic quarterback in this class. He’s the best runner in this class. He has a good arm.” Another interesting quality mentioned about Milroe was his ability to mitigate threats. “He’s willing to just look down the gun barrel and just take a humongous hit while just delivering a sweet pass.” And, of course, no praise for Milroe is complete without an ode to his running game. “He’s outrunning DBs, he’s outrunning linebackers, he can shrug people over. His running skills are freaking remarkable.”
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up prior to their game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images
But all his grades aside, it seems best for Milroe to sit out for Year 1, according to JetsCentral. “I don’t think he should play year 1. I think year 2, probably year 3, is around the time you would see a Jalen Milroe potentially be given the reins to start.” According to the host, Milroe matches up to Fields too. “Justin Fields is one of the best runners, as we all know, with the football in his hands at the quarterback position. And again, that’s Jalen Milroe’s no. 1 skill set.”
If Justin Fields is sidelined, the Jets’ quarterback depth will become an issue. Sure, they have Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez, and Jordan Travis. But with Jalen Milroe, the room just looks so much better. The staff will not have their hopes deterred with their starting QB going down. Because Milroe, who has a similar skill set, will deliver phenomenally. His leg power is a force to be reckoned with, which was seen in an unreal feat he pulled off at Alabama’s pro day last week.
Pat McAfee does a double take at Jalen Milroe’s dash time
The Crimson Tide QB showed scouts and experts why he is the Jalen Milroe. Alabama staff shared a video of him running the 40-yard dash in a mere 4.37 seconds on their Pro Day. To Pat McAfee on ESPN College Football, who saw footage of his other attempts, it looked like a 4.5. But before you throw hands, McAfee knows the running caliber that Milroe has and knows what it is capable of.
“In my head, that looks like a 4.5,” McAfee said initially. But when he learned Alabama’s time, he said, “I like that too.” He then launched into a small applause for the QB. “Congratulations to Jalen Milroe, running in the 4-3s. If you’ve watched him play football, [it] would make sense.” He also had to make note of Milroe’s strengths, just like JetsCentral. “He is very strong, he is very elusive, he is faster than everybody on the field.” Milroe’s package deal of strong athleticism, speed, and arm strength is a feature almost everyone agrees is extremely attractive.
Another panelist also suggested that Milroe should wait it out for at least a year and follow behind another quarterback. That’s how Lamar Jackson came in, and we don’t need to be reintroduced to his greatness. Milroe has always been closely likened to Jackson, especially because of their running ability as a quarterback. And it’s no surprise that he fell just short of Jackson’s 40-yard dash record: 4.34. Kirby Smart called him a “more physical version” of the Ravens QB. Ahead of the Senior Bowl earlier this year, Milroe was happy about this comparison. “… [H]im being at the top of the league and him definitely being a top-five quarterback in the NFL, that’s inspiring for sure, as a young quarterback that’s inspired to go to the NFL.”
Meanwhile, Milroe was busy despite his decision not to play at the combine. Instead, he went to dinner with Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Coincidentally, they’re also looking at Aaron Rodgers for the quarterback position. Another coincidence: Jets quarterback coach Charles London personally conducted a workout for Milroe at pro day. Maybe, just maybe, Milroe might find a place in the Big Apple when his turn comes at the draft.
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