The NFL Draft green room. A palpable atmosphere unlike anywhere in the world. If you could bottle up the stress that reverberates across that room, the sweat dripping down those foreheads- you could solve the world’s energy crisis. One thing is definitive, your presence in there or how quickly you walk out of it isn’t representative of your quality and how you’ll pan out. Just ask Aaron Rodgers, or Jamarcus Russell on the opposite side of the spectrum. However, a player being sat in that green room corresponds to the idea they’re getting picked in Round 1. Or at least they’ve been told so. After all, why would you put yourself through the embarrassment of seeing your contemporaries realize your dream while you’re sat there inadvertently sulking. Either way, Jalen Milroe’s just signed up for the biggest rollercoaster evening of his life.
Not only has Alabama graduate Jalen Milroe been invited to the exclusive green room on draft Day 1, he’s accepted the invite. This is according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic. The quarterback’s imminent presence in Green Bay comes as a real surprise. The reporting and general discourse around Milroe suggested he’d almost assuredly be a Day 2 pick. This revelation points to the very rational thought that he’s privy to a franchise that would grab him earlier than most expect. Either that, or his camp sees the landscape and makes the assumption themselves.
For one, Jalen Milroe would’ve declined the invite to avoid a potential embarrassment if not. But On3’s Andy Staples has presented another reason. He thinks the mere extension of the invite from the league makes it clear Milroe’s going in round 1. Especially in light of what happened 2 years ago, ala Will Levis.Back in the ‘23 draft, Will Levis was present in the green room on the first night. Unlike Jalen Milroe though, he was considered a lock to get drafted. However, reality transpired much differently.
Levis sat through the entirety of the evening without Roger Goodell calling out his name and eventually going in round 2 instead. Mind you, he was even being touted as a potential #1 overall pick days prior. Levis’ demeanor sat in the room was rather unwelcoming, and his slide wasn’t a good look on the league. “The NFL does not want a ‘Will Levis situation’ to happen ever again…somebody who’s falling asleep as they’re not getting picked,” remarked Staples over the On3 YouTube channel. “If [Jalen Milroe] has accepted this invitation, he feels very confident he’s getting picked in the first round and the NFL is very confident that one of its teams will pick him in the first round.”
.@Andy_Staples on Jalen Milroe reportedly accepting an NFL Draft invitation
“The NFL does not want a Will Levis situation to happen ever again… He feels confident he’s getting picked in the first round,
and the NFL is very confident one of its teams will pick him” pic.twitter.com/47iPcMd5CJ
— On3 (@On3sports) April 7, 2025
There’s a fair school of thought behind this take via Andy Staples. Which is why the situation is perplexing. Even Staples explicitly said later on he wouldn’t draft Jalen Milroe in the first round. The reporting around his invite acceptance even made it’s way to revered draft journalist Daniel Jeremiah. Who, it’s worth noting, is tapped into both the player and franchise’s plans as well as the league. Discussing the Milroe news with Kay Adams over the “Up and Adams” show, Jeremiah stated he still thinks it’ll “be a surprise if he goes in the first round.” That said, he did name-drop a franchise that’s looking at Milroe. One that, if push comes to shove, could be forced to trade up into the first round for him. Hence making Milroe’s presence more understandable.
A scenario does exist where Jalen Milroe sees himself ascend into Round 1
There’s a dearth of both quantity and quality at the quarterback position in this draft class. Supply isn’t meeting demand. This means Jalen Milroe, who’s extremely raw but has the physical tools to be moulded into something special, becomes an exciting option. The Pittsburgh Steelers at #21 have been touted as a potential landing spot for him. But if that isn’t the case, a divisional rival could nag him instead.
The Cleveland Browns are in a really difficult spot with respect to their salary cap constraints. Deshaun Watson hasn’t reciprocated the value of his guaranteed contract at all. One of the only viable ways for the Browns to be competitive is with a QB on a rookie scale contract. But since they draft #2 overall, there’s a school of thought the Browns should use that pick to draft a blue-chip prospect, cusping on generational even, in a different position. Then, draft a quarterback in round 2. Enter the fray Jalen Milroe, who just worked out forthe Browns in private. Depending how the pieces begin to fall, with other QBs also grading around round 2, the lack of supply could mean stocks surge and Milroe gets snagged in round 1. Earlier than Jeremiah or Staples grade him.
It’s well within the realm of possibilities that Jalen Milroe is a Day 1 pick off the board. That said, it’s still more unlikely than it is likely. His decision to attend in-person makes this a real gamble. Whether it pays off, we shall see. Being named on draft night and getting onto that podium is a euphoria few other things can match. The hope is perhaps enough ammo for Milroe to chance it.
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