Two Alabama players are selected in the first round of Mel Kiper’s mock draft: How does Jalen Milroe fare?
Alabama football will likely have a couple players hear their names called during the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The question is, who?
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper predicts that two Crimson Tide players will be among the first-round selections. Neither is quarterback Jalen Milroe.
In his most recent NFL mock draft, Kiper predicted that Tyler Booker, a guard at Alabama, will be selected first overall for a Crimson Tide player. According to Kiper, Booker will be selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 16th overall pick.
Kiper noted, “Booker may be the class’s best pure guard.” “No one can get past him because he is strong at the moment of assault. Additionally, he gets to the second level to clear channels and is tough in the run game.
Kiper then predicts that the Cincinnati Bengals will select Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell with their very next choice.
No other Alabama players are chosen on the first day of the draft, according to Kiper. He said that Milroe might be selected by the Los Angeles Rams at No. 26 as a quarterback that the team could select and nurture. Kiper did, however, end up predicting that the Rams would select Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr.
Jalen Milroe’s Draft Outlook: An In-Depth Evaluation
As of the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, one of the most intriguing names from the Alabama Crimson Tide is quarterback Jalen Milroe. Known for his explosive athleticism, raw physical tools, and strong work ethic, Milroe’s draft prospects are being closely scrutinized by scouts and analysts alike. With Alabama continuing to be a football powerhouse, the Crimson Tide’s players are frequently positioned high on draft boards, and the performance of Milroe throughout the 2024 season could have significant ramifications for his NFL future.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at how Jalen Milroe has performed throughout his college career, assess his standing in Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, and analyze his strengths, weaknesses, and what could potentially impact his draft stock moving forward.
Milroe’s Background and Rise at Alabama
Jalen Milroe arrived at the University of Alabama as a highly touted dual-threat quarterback, boasting a powerful arm and the ability to make plays with his legs. A Texas native, Milroe was considered one of the top quarterbacks in his recruiting class, ranking as a four-star prospect according to various recruiting services. He enrolled at Alabama in 2021 and quickly garnered attention due to his unique skill set.
During his early years with the Crimson Tide, Milroe spent significant time behind Heisman-winning quarterback Bryce Young, who was the starter for Alabama through the 2022 season. However, Milroe’s athletic abilities were on full display during limited playing time, including a memorable game where he showcased his speed and ability to stretch the field with his legs.
By the 2023 season, Milroe had taken over as the starting quarterback for the Tide. His development as a passer had been a topic of conversation throughout the offseason, and fans, coaches, and scouts were all eager to see if he could evolve as a complete quarterback.
2024 Season: Development and Key Performances
The 2024 season marked a pivotal year for Jalen Milroe as he had the opportunity to show scouts that he could develop into a polished NFL quarterback. After a somewhat inconsistent 2023 campaign, in which Milroe showcased his raw athleticism but struggled with accuracy and decision-making at times, expectations for 2024 were high.
Milroe’s growth in the 2024 season was evident. Statistically, he had better command of Alabama’s offense, throwing for significant yardage and improving his touchdown-to-interception ratio. His ability to read defenses and go through progressions was noticeably better, and his deep-ball accuracy—once a major area of concern—showed marked improvement. Moreover, Milroe continued to be a dual-threat weapon, using his legs to extend plays and pick up key first downs with his athleticism.
In some of Alabama’s biggest games in 2024, Milroe delivered impressive performances that had NFL scouts paying close attention. Games against SEC rivals like LSU, Georgia, and Tennessee tested his mettle and provided valuable tape for evaluators. In these contests, Milroe showcased his ability to bounce back from adversity and make clutch throws in critical moments. The improved consistency and maturity in his game were clear indicators of his potential at the next level.
However, there were still some elements of his game that needed refinement. Milroe’s footwork, particularly under pressure, was sometimes erratic, leading to inaccurate throws. His mechanics were still a work in progress, and at times, his decision-making under duress could be questionable. These areas of concern kept him from being considered a top-tier quarterback prospect by some scouts.
Mel Kiper’s Mock Draft and Milroe’s Position
In the context of Mel Kiper’s latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Jalen Milroe’s name appears as one of the top quarterback prospects. Mel Kiper, renowned for his in-depth analysis and long-standing expertise in the NFL Draft process, has placed Milroe in the first round of his mock draft. This is a testament to Milroe’s high ceiling as a prospect and the recognition that he possesses the tools to develop into a starting NFL quarterback with the right coaching and system fit.
Milroe’s first-round projection is largely due to his immense physical potential. At 6’2” and 220 pounds, Milroe has the size and strength that scouts desire in an NFL quarterback. His arm strength is arguably one of the best in the draft class, and he is capable of making all the necessary throws from any platform. Whether it’s an accurate deep ball down the field, a dart over the middle, or a touch pass in the flat, Milroe has demonstrated the ability to make all the throws necessary at the next level. His athleticism also gives him a considerable advantage, as his ability to escape the pocket and create plays with his legs will undoubtedly appeal to teams that prioritize mobile quarterbacks.
While his physical tools are undeniable, Milroe’s projection as a first-round pick hinges on the assumption that he will continue to develop as a passer. NFL teams will want to see continued progress in his mechanics, decision-making, and ability to read defenses. Some analysts have raised concerns about Milroe’s occasional tendency to rely too much on his athleticism and arm strength, which can sometimes lead to him missing open throws or making ill-advised decisions under pressure. Nevertheless, Kiper’s first-round placement is a reflection of Milroe’s high ceiling and his potential to become a dynamic quarterback in the NFL.
Strengths
1. Athleticism and Mobility
Milroe’s athleticism is his most obvious strength. He has elite speed for a quarterback and the ability to outrun defenders in the open field. Whether it’s evading pressure in the pocket or scrambling for a big gain on the ground, Milroe’s mobility is a game-changing asset. This dynamic ability makes him a threat both as a passer and as a runner, and NFL teams that prioritize a dual-threat quarterback will take notice.
2. Arm Strength and Accuracy on Deep Balls
Milroe has an exceptional arm that allows him to make throws that many quarterbacks simply cannot. His deep ball is one of his standout traits, with the ability to launch passes down the field with precision. This deep-passing capability can stretch defenses and open up opportunities for big plays, an aspect that will make him a valuable commodity at the next level.
3. Physical Traits and NFL-Ready Build
Standing at 6’2″ and 220 pounds, Milroe has the physical stature that scouts look for in an NFL quarterback. His combination of size, strength, and mobility is rare in a quarterback prospect and makes him well-suited for the demands of the NFL.
Weaknesses
1. Decision-Making and Football IQ
Milroe’s decision-making has been a topic of criticism throughout his college career. He has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled at times with managing the pace of the game. He can be prone to forcing throws under pressure, which can lead to interceptions. NFL defenses are much more sophisticated than those in college, and Milroe will need to continue refining his ability to read coverages and go through his progressions quickly and accurately.
2. Inconsistent Mechanics
Milroe’s mechanics have been a point of contention. His footwork, in particular, is something that will need to improve in order for him to succeed at the next level. Inconsistent footwork often leads to inaccurate throws, especially on intermediate routes. Milroe will need a quarterback coach who can work with him on becoming more fluid in his movements and eliminating bad habits.
3. Handling Pressure
Though Milroe has shown the ability to evade pressure, there are times when he struggles to maintain his poise in the face of a collapsing pocket. His tendency to leave the pocket too early or break down under duress is something he’ll need to address in order to thrive at the NFL level.
