Dane Brugler's updated big board ranking of Jalen Milroe casts extreme doubt on Alabama QB's 2025 NFL Draft outlook
The 2025 NFL Draft will bring some of the best drama we've had in the last few years. Uncertainty across the quarterback position is a big part of that. Last year, we expected six first-round quarterbacks to go off the board quickly, but we do not have that same sort of confidence this year. One […]
The 2025 NFL Draft will bring some of the best drama we've had in the last few years. Uncertainty across the quarterback position is a big part of that. Last year, we expected six first-round quarterbacks to go off the board quickly, but we do not have that same sort of confidence this year.
One of the bigger storylines surrounds Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe and where he could possibly land. The enigmatic dual-threat has the tools that teams dream of, but Dan Brugler of The Athletic's latest rankings don't bode well for the redshirt junior.
Milroe ranks 61st on Brugler's top-100 big board. That's quarterback number five behind Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, Jaxon Dart, and Tyler Shough. Shough, who spent time at Oregon, Texas Tech, and Louisville, is the biggest surprise of the group.
However, Milroe ranks above Quinn Ewers (unranked) and Will Howard, so it's encouraging that the Alabama product is closer to the second tier of passers than the third.
Here's what Brugler had to say about Milroe:
There might not be a prospect whose ranking will fluctuate more during the draft process than Milroe's does.
As an athlete and person, he belongs in the first round. But can he develop the passing consistency needed to grow into an NFL starter? Milroe will be worth the chance at some point on Day Two, but where is that sweet spot?
These are the key questions about Milroe. Coming off a rough season at Alabama and discouraging Senior Bowl performance, the momentum is not there for Milroe to be taken in the first round. He could suffer a Malik Willis-type tumble despite having the traits to be taken much higher.
Ultimately, teams will need to buy into Milroe's limitations as much as they do his strengths. I think that could be worthwhile, but taking him on Day 2 instead of earlier would allow him to develop without as much pressure. Still, there is something to be worried about when there's a lower investment cost.
Usually, what happens is quarterback-needy teams that missed out on Round 1 talents will take someone like Milroe as a half-hazard selection that gets thrown to the side within two years because the roster bottomed out for a top pick anyway.
Can Milroe create some positive buzz still? The NFL Scouting Combine and Alabama's pro day will be his last on-field chance to prove he didn't make a mistake in declaring when he had one year left of eligibility.
