As Alabama’s quarterback’s destiny is linked to a top-5 NFL team, Jalen Milroe follows in Jalen Hurts’ footsteps.
As Alabama’s Quarterback’s Destiny is Linked to a Top-5 NFL Team, Jalen Milroe Follows in Jalen Hurts’ Footsteps
The University of Alabama has long been known as a breeding ground for elite football talent, consistently churning out players who go on to excel in the NFL. For quarterbacks, the list of success stories is becoming more and more impressive. Alabama’s lineage of quarterbacks is headlined by names like Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young—all of whom achieved great success at the next level. However, there’s a new signal-caller from Alabama who has the potential to follow in the footsteps of Jalen Hurts, one of the most exciting dual-threat quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s starting quarterback, has recently emerged as a top prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft, drawing comparisons to Hurts due to his impressive athleticism, arm strength, and leadership qualities. Milroe’s progression throughout his college career has created a lot of buzz around his future in the NFL, with many analysts predicting he will be selected early in the draft—potentially by a top-5 NFL team. If these predictions hold true, Milroe could very well follow Hurts’ path to stardom in the NFL. This article will explore how Milroe’s journey mirrors Hurts’ rise to prominence, the similarities and differences between the two players, and how Milroe’s destiny in the NFL may be linked to a top-5 team.
Jalen Milroe: A Dual-Threat Quarterback with High Potential
Jalen Milroe’s journey to Alabama was marked by lofty expectations. A five-star recruit from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, Milroe was touted as one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. As a high school player, Milroe displayed incredible physical tools, including a powerful arm, elite mobility, and a knack for making plays with both his arm and his legs. These traits made him an ideal fit for Alabama’s pro-style offense, and many expected him to be the heir apparent to Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner.
Milroe’s college career started with a year as a backup to Young, learning under one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in recent memory. But when his number was called, Milroe showed that he was ready to take the reins. In his first season as the starting quarterback, Milroe demonstrated flashes of brilliance. He was able to move the ball down the field with his arm, showcasing an impressive deep ball. More notably, however, Milroe proved to be a dynamic dual-threat quarterback, capable of making defenses pay with his legs. His mobility is one of the most exciting aspects of his game—much like Hurts, Milroe has the ability to escape pressure, extend plays, and make things happen on the ground.
However, like Hurts earlier in his college career, Milroe’s development has not been without its challenges. His decision-making and consistency in the passing game have been works in progress. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, but there have been games where his inaccuracy and tendency to force the ball have led to turnovers. Still, these growing pains are a natural part of a quarterback’s development, especially when transitioning from college to the NFL. Much like Hurts before him, Milroe will need time to refine his skills, but his athleticism and potential are undeniable.
Jalen Hurts: A Model for Success
To understand how Milroe’s future could unfold, it’s important to look at the path that Jalen Hurts has taken to become one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks. Hurts, like Milroe, came to Alabama as a highly recruited dual-threat quarterback. As a freshman, Hurts impressed immediately, leading Alabama to a national championship game appearance. However, Hurts’ journey at Alabama wasn’t without challenges. In his sophomore season, Hurts was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa in the national championship game after struggling with his passing accuracy. This marked the beginning of Hurts’ transition from a starting quarterback at Alabama to an underdog who had to fight for his place in the NFL.
Instead of transferring to another program, Hurts took on the challenge of improving his game. He transferred to the University of Oklahoma, where he worked under head coach Lincoln Riley, a master at developing quarterbacks. Under Riley’s tutelage, Hurts developed into a more polished passer while retaining the dual-threat abilities that had made him so dangerous in college. His ability to improve as a passer while maintaining his mobility became a key asset as he transitioned into the NFL.
Hurts was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but his road to NFL success was not without skepticism. Many analysts questioned whether Hurts could become a starting quarterback at the next level, given concerns about his passing accuracy and decision-making. But Hurts silenced the doubters with a combination of strong leadership, work ethic, and incredible on-field playmaking ability. In just his third season, Hurts led the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance and was named a Pro Bowler.
Much like Hurts, Milroe faces skepticism about his ability to succeed at the next level. While Milroe’s mobility and arm strength are undeniable, there are concerns about his development as a polished passer. But if Milroe can follow the same blueprint that Hurts used to refine his skills and become a franchise quarterback, the sky is the limit for his potential.
Milroe’s NFL Draft Prospects and the Top-5 Teams
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Milroe’s stock is on the rise. After a strong showing in his final season at Alabama, analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. have started to project Milroe as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft. His combination of size (6’2″, 220 pounds), arm strength, and mobility makes him a perfect fit for the modern NFL, which increasingly values dual-threat quarterbacks who can make plays both in and out of the pocket.
Milroe’s draft prospects are especially promising for teams picking early in the first round. A top-5 pick seems within reach, particularly for teams that are looking to build around a young quarterback who can develop into a franchise star. In Kiper’s latest mock draft, Milroe is projected to be selected by one of the following top teams:
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are in need of a franchise quarterback after struggling to find stability at the position in recent years. Milroe’s dual-threat potential could be the perfect fit for the Colts’ offense, which features an elite running back in Jonathan Taylor and a solid offensive line. Milroe’s mobility would complement the Colts’ ground game and provide a dynamic option in the passing game.
- Washington Commanders: The Commanders are another team that could benefit from Milroe’s athleticism. With a young, talented roster on both sides of the ball, Washington could look to draft a quarterback who can lead the team into the future. Milroe’s upside would give the Commanders a long-term solution at the quarterback position.
- Tennessee Titans: The Titans are in the process of transitioning from Ryan Tannehill, and Milroe could be the ideal successor. His mobility and ability to extend plays would pair nicely with the Titans’ power running game, led by Derrick Henry. Milroe’s development behind Tannehill could help him acclimate to the NFL while learning from a veteran quarterback.
- Minnesota Vikings: With Kirk Cousins approaching the later stages of his career, the Vikings may look to invest in a quarterback of the future. Milroe could fit well in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive system, which is designed to take advantage of a quarterback’s mobility and arm strength.
- Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have been searching for a franchise quarterback since the departure of Matt Ryan. With a young, talented roster, including players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts, Milroe could be the player to lead the Falcons back into playoff contention. His ability to throw deep and make plays with his legs would make him an exciting option for Atlanta.
Comparing Milroe and Hurts: A Shared Destiny?
The similarities between Milroe and Hurts are striking. Both players are dual-threat quarterbacks with strong arms and elite athleticism. Hurts’ success in the NFL has proven that a quarterback with mobility and the ability to make plays outside the pocket can thrive in today’s league. If Milroe can develop in the same way that Hurts did, refining his passing accuracy and decision-making, there’s little doubt that he could follow a similar trajectory.
Milroe’s destiny, much like Hurts’, will depend on the team that selects him and the development process that follows. Just as Hurts benefited from a coaching staff that worked with him to improve his passing mechanics and decision-making, Milroe will need a team that can maximize his talents and refine his skills. If Milroe is selected by a top-5 team with the right coaching staff, he could be poised to follow Hurts’ path and become one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks.
