Two Alabama players are selected in the first round of Mel Kiper’s mock draft: How does Jalen Milroe fare?

Two Alabama Players Selected in the First Round of Mel Kiper’s Mock Draft: How Does Jalen Milroe Fare?

As the NFL Draft approaches each year, the spotlight shines brightly on college football’s top talent, with Mel Kiper Jr., the esteemed ESPN draft analyst, offering his predictions for the first round. In his latest mock draft, two players from the University of Alabama were selected in the first round—continuing the Crimson Tide’s tradition of producing elite prospects who are ready to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

While Alabama is no stranger to producing first-round talent, the interesting question surrounding the 2025 NFL Draft is how Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s starting quarterback, fares in Kiper’s projections. Milroe, whose rise as a quarterback has been both rapid and compelling, represents a complex evaluation for scouts and analysts alike. His combination of athleticism, arm strength, and raw potential makes him a tantalizing prospect, but questions about his development, consistency, and readiness for the next level remain. In this article, we’ll break down how Milroe’s draft stock is perceived and what his future in the NFL could look like.

Jalen Milroe’s College Career: A Journey to NFL Relevance

Before diving into his draft prospects, it’s important to first look at Jalen Milroe’s journey through college football. Milroe was a highly touted recruit coming out of Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama, where he was widely considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. A dual-threat quarterback with a cannon for an arm and impressive speed, Milroe entered Alabama with lofty expectations. However, his early years with the Crimson Tide were spent as a backup, learning behind some of the program’s best quarterbacks, including Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner.

In his first season as a starter, Milroe displayed flashes of brilliance, showcasing his immense athletic ability and potential to take over games. His strengths were immediately noticeable—he could extend plays with his legs, challenge defenses with deep throws, and create opportunities with his ability to scramble. However, it was his consistency, particularly with his passing accuracy and decision-making, that remained a work in progress. Milroe showed moments of brilliance but also struggled at times with reading defenses and executing the more nuanced aspects of the quarterback position.

Despite those inconsistencies, Milroe’s performances in big games, especially against tough SEC defenses, showed that he had the ability to compete at the highest level. His dynamic running ability, in particular, made him a dangerous weapon both in the pocket and on the move. His raw potential was evident, and many analysts, including Kiper, began to take note of Milroe as a potential first-round pick, with the right coaching and development.

What Does Mel Kiper Say About Jalen Milroe?

Mel Kiper’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft lists two Alabama players as first-round selections, but the intriguing question remains—does Jalen Milroe make the cut? In his latest analysis, Kiper notes the rapid rise of certain quarterbacks in the draft class, particularly those who have the physical tools to thrive in today’s NFL. Milroe, despite his ups and downs, has shown enough promise to be considered in the mix for a high draft pick. However, Kiper is cautiously optimistic about his stock, especially given the nature of his performances during his final season at Alabama.

Milroe’s Strengths: Raw Physical Talent

The most prominent aspect of Milroe’s game is his raw physical talent. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 220 pounds, he has the build of an NFL quarterback. His arm strength is one of his most impressive attributes—he can throw the ball with velocity and distance, allowing him to hit deep routes and stretch the field. His throwing mechanics have improved over time, and when he’s able to settle into his pocket and read the defense, he can make pinpoint throws.

Beyond his arm strength, Milroe’s mobility is another reason why he’s a highly coveted prospect. He’s an elite athlete, capable of escaping pressure and making defenders miss in the open field. His ability to scramble, combined with his vision and speed, make him a legitimate dual-threat quarterback. In today’s NFL, where quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Kyler Murray, and Lamar Jackson have shown the value of dual-threat players, Milroe’s mobility could be a huge asset.

In Kiper’s mock draft, Milroe’s athleticism is one of the key factors that has NFL teams intrigued. His running ability, combined with his potential to develop as a passer, makes him a valuable project for teams looking to invest in a quarterback with elite upside.

Milroe’s Weaknesses: Inconsistency and Development

While Milroe’s potential is undeniable, there are several key areas where he must improve if he is to be a successful NFL quarterback. One of the biggest concerns for scouts and analysts alike is Milroe’s consistency as a passer. Despite his powerful arm, Milroe has struggled with his accuracy, particularly on intermediate and deep throws. His ball placement and touch on certain passes have been inconsistent, leading to missed opportunities and turnovers.

Another area where Milroe needs to improve is his decision-making. At times, he can be overzealous in trying to make big plays with his arm or legs, leading to poor decisions in critical situations. In a league where defenses are more complex and sophisticated, Milroe will need to sharpen his ability to read coverages and make quick, smart decisions.

Additionally, Milroe’s pocket awareness and footwork have been questioned throughout his college career. While he has the mobility to escape pressure, there are instances where he fails to keep his eyes downfield or relies too heavily on his legs when he should stand tall in the pocket. To thrive at the NFL level, Milroe will need to refine these aspects of his game, particularly if he hopes to develop into a quarterback capable of leading a team over the long term.

Where Does Milroe Land in Mel Kiper’s Mock Draft?

In his 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Mel Kiper has Jalen Milroe listed in the second round rather than the first, which is a somewhat cautious but still optimistic placement. Kiper recognizes Milroe’s immense physical tools, but he also acknowledges the work that remains in terms of his development as a passer and decision-maker.

While Milroe’s athleticism and dual-threat potential are undeniable, Kiper’s assessment reflects a belief that Milroe will need more time to refine his skills and adjust to the NFL game. Many scouts believe Milroe is a player with the potential to become a star, but he’s seen as more of a project at this point, making him a candidate for a team that can afford to develop him for the future. Teams with a more established quarterback, who can sit behind a veteran and learn, would likely be the best fit for Milroe’s development.

In the mock draft, Kiper places Milroe early in the second round, possibly to a team that needs a quarterback but is not desperate for immediate contributions. This placement reflects the growing trend in the NFL of teams drafting quarterbacks with huge upside even if they’re not fully polished, particularly given the success of similar quarterbacks in recent years.

Potential Destinations for Milroe

Several teams could be interested in selecting Milroe in the second round. Teams with established starters who are looking to add depth and groom a future starter may be drawn to Milroe’s immense upside. The Tennessee Titans, for example, could be a landing spot, as they have a solid roster but may be looking for a quarterback to develop behind veteran Ryan Tannehill.

Another team that could take a chance on Milroe is the Minnesota Vikings, who have Kirk Cousins but may want to begin preparing for the future at the quarterback position. Similarly, teams like the Las Vegas Raiders or Washington Commanders could also show interest in Milroe if they are looking for a developmental quarterback to build around long-term.

While Milroe might not be a first-round pick in Kiper’s mock draft, his selection in the second round could provide the right team with an opportunity to unlock his immense potential. Given his elite athleticism, arm strength, and potential as a dual-threat quarterback, Milroe could ultimately exceed expectations, especially if he lands with a coaching staff that can refine his skills and help him adjust to the nuances of the NFL game.