The 2025 NFL Draft is a real toss-up, especially for Jalen Milroe, who’s got everyone thinking “what if” more than any other prospect. What if he lives up to the hype from last year, or what if his shaky season is a red flag for teams? Coming to Tuscaloosa as a 4-star Texas QB under Nick Saban, he was hyped as Bama’s next great dual threat. His athleticism remains exceptional, but a turbulent 2024 significantly impacted his draft projection. Now, however, an analyst is predicting a resurgence, seeing potential others have overlooked. Even though it’s kind of quiet right now, there’s a feeling Milroe’s stock might be on the upswing.
Right now, Jalen Milroe’s sitting at 45 on the NFL Mock Draft, which hints he might slide past the first round. And get this, ESPN’s Ben Solak has him even lower at 83, meaning no second-round action either. However, NFL draft analyst Russell Brown sees things differently.
Russell Brown took to X, praising Jalen Milroe’s skills and expressing strong confidence in his NFL future, stating, “He leads the room when he walks in.” He further elaborated on his belief that Milroe’s draft stock could see a significant rise. “Throughout the draft process, I’ve heard only positive feedback about Alabama QB Jalen Milroe. I’d be surprised if he isn’t selected earlier than expected. He receives much praise for his leadership and demeanor.”
But is this assessment accurate?
Throughout the draft process, I’ve heard only positive feedback about Alabama QB Jalen Milroe. I’d be surprised if he isn’t selected earlier than expected. He receives much praise for his leadership and demeanor.
“He leads the room when he walks in.” pic.twitter.com/pMSqyNkGel
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) April 14, 2025
Jalen Milroe is undeniably one of the most athletic prospects in this year’s draft, regardless of current rankings. His exceptional Pro Day performance, highlighted by a blazing 4.37-second 40-yard dash, did boost his draft stock, but seemingly not enough to propel him into the first round. The hesitation likely stems from his on-field gameplay last season, despite his offseason shine.
Jalen Milroe completed 64.3% of his passes with a 16:11 TD:INT ratio, throwing for 2,844 yards while also rushing for 726 yards and 20 TDs. While his athleticism is top-tier, the 11 interceptions thrown last season raise significant concerns. USA Today Sports’ Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz echoes this sentiment, stating, “He might be the NFL draft’s most compelling conundrum. At 6-2 and 217 pounds with breakaway speed as a runner and superlative arm strength, he can devastate defenses when everything is clicking. And with nearly 500 total yards and four total touchdowns in a thrilling September win over Georgia, Milroe has shown he can stand tall against even the stoutest competition.”
Schwartz further explains, “But the expected leap in his second season as a starter never fully materialized, and instead erratic play—including a late-season unraveling against unranked Oklahoma that dashed the Crimson Tide’s College Football Playoff hopes—became the hallmark of his 2024 campaign. Shaky mechanics are to blame for much of the problem, as Milroe can be wildly off the mark at all three levels when he’s rushing things.” The struggles were evident when Jalen Milroe threw 3 interceptions against Oklahoma, one of which was a turnover caused by Sooners defensive back Kip Lewis.
Despite these inconsistencies, there appears to be lingering hope for Jalen Milroe’s draft prospects.
Jalen Milroe’s draft stocks might see a major push
The smoky draft air surrounding Pittsburgh hints at a potential connection with Tuscaloosa. The invitation extended to Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe for the 2025 NFL Draft green room is significant, as these are not given out lightly. Such an invitation strongly suggests a first-round selection, and whispers point towards the Steelers.
Intriguingly, Mike Tomlin not only observed Jalen Milroe but also dined with him the night before Alabama’s pro day. This buzz is further fueled by Milroe’s sub-4.40 40-yard dash, showcasing Lamar Jackson-like speed in a linebacker’s build. A casual dinner with such a prospect indicates serious consideration for him as a potential franchise quarterback.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio noted Tomlin’s praise and added, “There have been years where they load up the green room, and they’re there for three days,” Florio said. “They don’t do that anymore, so I think it’s significant that he’s there and it tells me somebody in that power structure that’s making those decisions believes there’s a damn good chance a first-round team is gonna take him. This shows the liking is mutual.”
Jalen Milroe’s enthusiasm for the Steelers is also evident. “I remember watching AFC North battles growing up,” he said after the pro day. “To be around Coach Tomlin? I don’t take that lightly.” This strong statement from the quarterback has undoubtedly caught the attention of the team’s management.
The Steelers’ QB situation looks a bit thin right now, with Wilson heading to the Giants and Fields to the Jets, leaving them with Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson. That duo alone probably won’t be enough to handle the tough AFC North. That’s where a guy like Milroe comes in—a risky pick, sure, but with the potential for a huge payoff. The strategy could involve drafting him and letting him learn the ropes to really hone his arm talent and athleticism. So, Milroe to Pittsburgh? It’s seriously on the cards. Don’t be shocked if the Steelers roll the dice on this Bama star to shake up the AFC North—you just never know.
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