With one glaring disclaimer, Alabama football quarterback Jalen Milroe received an almost flawless Senior Bowl practice evaluation.

Jalen Milroe’s performance during Senior Bowl practices in 2025 generated a significant buzz in the football world, showcasing his immense potential while also highlighting areas for improvement. Milroe, a quarterback who spent most of his collegiate career at Alabama, received an almost flawless evaluation, though there was one glaring disclaimer that kept his performance from being truly perfect.

In this analysis, we’ll dive into Milroe’s strengths and weaknesses, considering his performances during the Senior Bowl week, his college career, and how scouts and analysts are currently evaluating him as an NFL prospect.

The Build-Up to the Senior Bowl

Before delving into Milroe’s Senior Bowl practices, it’s important to understand the context. Jalen Milroe’s journey through Alabama football wasn’t always straightforward. He entered the program as a highly-touted dual-threat quarterback, known for his athleticism and playmaking ability. However, his career path was marked by stiff competition for the starting job, with standout quarterbacks like Bryce Young ahead of him on the depth chart.

Milroe finally earned significant playing time in his junior season as the backup to Young, and his dynamic skill set flashed during games when he was called upon. His ability to make plays both with his arm and his legs made him a unique prospect, but his inconsistent mechanics and decision-making were areas that scouts identified as needing refinement. He was often compared to other dual-threat quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, but with a distinct style of his own.

With his eligibility coming to an end in 2024, Milroe decided to enter the 2025 NFL Draft and participate in the Senior Bowl to get more exposure before the big event. The Senior Bowl, a showcase for the nation’s top senior prospects, is an important platform for players to demonstrate their abilities in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and executives. Milroe’s performance during the practices leading up to the game would be a key indicator of his draft stock.

A Flawless Evaluation with One Key Caveat

During the first few days of Senior Bowl practice, Milroe’s performance was generally lauded by analysts and scouts alike. His physical tools were undeniable. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing around 215 pounds, Milroe has the build of a prototypical NFL quarterback. His arm strength stood out immediately, with scouts noting that he could throw deep balls with ease, hitting receivers in stride from 40 yards or more with impressive velocity and accuracy.

His mobility also drew significant praise. Milroe demonstrated the ability to extend plays with his legs, something that many scouts are increasingly valuing in today’s NFL. His speed and quickness allowed him to scramble out of the pocket when needed, creating opportunities for explosive plays. Moreover, his ability to reset his feet while on the move and make off-platform throws added to his appeal as a dual-threat signal caller.

In terms of leadership and intangibles, Milroe impressed many with his approach to practices. He was vocal, engaging with teammates and coaches alike, showing a willingness to take command of the offense and learn from his mistakes. Coaches noted that his maturity and poise in a high-pressure environment stood out, something that would be an asset in a pro locker room.

However, as glowing as the evaluation was, there was one glaring disclaimer that left many analysts and scouts still cautious about Milroe’s stock: consistency. While Milroe’s physical talent was evident, his decision-making and accuracy during the practices were not as flawless. At times, Milroe showed flashes of brilliance, but he also exhibited lapses in judgment, particularly when trying to force throws into tight windows. He was at times guilty of staring down receivers and telegraphing his throws, which allowed defenders to anticipate his passes and make plays on the ball.

Additionally, while his arm strength was exceptional, Milroe’s mechanics were still a work in progress. On some throws, his footwork was sloppy, causing him to miss on passes that he should have completed. His deep ball accuracy, while impressive at times, was inconsistent, especially when trying to hit receivers on intermediate routes. Some analysts noted that Milroe would need to clean up his mechanics to succeed at the next level.

The Dual-Threat Quarterback Mentality

One of the key aspects of Milroe’s game is his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. This dual-threat capability has been increasingly valued in the NFL, with quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Fields proving that running quarterbacks can succeed at the highest level. Milroe shares similarities with these players in terms of his ability to extend plays and make something out of nothing when the pocket breaks down.

During Senior Bowl practices, Milroe’s running ability was on full display. His speed and agility allowed him to avoid pressure and gain significant yardage when the pocket collapsed. In many instances, Milroe demonstrated a calmness in the face of pressure, which is a trait that can be difficult to develop but is incredibly important at the NFL level.

However, the dual-threat nature of Milroe’s game also has its drawbacks. While his ability to run is impressive, it can sometimes lead him to rely too heavily on his legs to bail him out of difficult situations. This reliance on his athleticism can occasionally cause him to abandon progressions too quickly and miss out on opportunities to make plays with his arm. Additionally, there were times during Senior Bowl practices when Milroe failed to make a decisive throw and instead opted to run, missing the chance to develop as a pocket passer.

Scouts are particularly cautious about this aspect of Milroe’s game because, at the next level, defenders are faster, stronger, and more capable of containing mobile quarterbacks. In order for Milroe to be successful in the NFL, he will need to demonstrate a better balance between using his legs to extend plays and maintaining patience in the pocket.

The Importance of Mechanics and Decision-Making

Another area where Milroe needs to improve is his mechanics and decision-making. While his physical attributes are impressive, Milroe’s throwing mechanics have often been inconsistent. His footwork, in particular, has been a point of concern. On several occasions during Senior Bowl practices, Milroe’s footwork was too sloppy, causing him to miss throws he should have easily completed. Additionally, when his feet weren’t set properly, his passes lacked the necessary velocity and accuracy, leading to balls sailing high or wide.

Moreover, Milroe’s decision-making under pressure is an area that needs development. While his athleticism allows him to escape from sticky situations, he has shown a tendency to force passes into tight windows rather than taking the safer option. His decision-making under duress could become a problem at the next level, where defenders will punish mistakes more frequently.

Milroe’s issues with mechanics and decision-making are things that NFL coaches can work with. The hope is that he can develop better habits and become more consistent as he refines his game. However, it will take time, and there’s no guarantee that these issues will be resolved quickly.

The Road Ahead: Milroe’s Draft Prospects

While Jalen Milroe’s performance at the Senior Bowl was far from perfect, it was still highly encouraging for many NFL scouts. His physical gifts—strong arm, mobility, and leadership—are qualities that cannot be taught. What remains to be seen is whether he can make the necessary adjustments to his mechanics and decision-making to become an effective NFL quarterback.

In terms of draft stock, Milroe’s Senior Bowl performance likely solidified his position as a mid-to-late round pick. He’s not considered a surefire first-round prospect like some other quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class, but his potential is evident. Teams that are looking for a developmental quarterback with a high ceiling will likely be intrigued by Milroe’s skill set.

His performance at the Senior Bowl likely raised his profile, but there are still significant hurdles to overcome. Whether Milroe’s raw tools can be polished into an NFL-ready package remains to be seen. However, it’s clear that his upside is considerable, and if a team is willing to invest in his development, he could prove to be a valuable asset in the future.