‘Most to Gain’: Jalen Milroe is one of the players at the NFL Combine.

Jalen Milroe: ‘Most to Gain’ at the NFL Combine

As the NFL Combine approaches each year, the spotlight shines brightly on the athletes vying to make a name for themselves in front of professional scouts, coaches, and executives. These athletes, who have spent their entire college careers preparing for this moment, finally get the chance to show their physical prowess, mental sharpness, and skillset in a setting designed to measure all aspects of their game. While many players head into the Combine with high expectations, few carry the level of anticipation and pressure that Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe faces as he prepares for the biggest stage of his football life.

Milroe, who has spent the last few years at Alabama under the tutelage of legendary coach Nick Saban, is considered one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class. But despite his raw talent and potential, Milroe’s career in Tuscaloosa has been somewhat overshadowed by the high-profile presence of previous Alabama quarterbacks like Bryce Young and Mac Jones, both of whom had significant success at the collegiate level. Nonetheless, Milroe is now on the verge of proving himself as a legitimate prospect, and the NFL Combine represents his golden opportunity to rise to the occasion.

This article takes a deeper look at Jalen Milroe’s journey, his strengths and weaknesses as a quarterback, and why the NFL Combine could be the key to his future success. With “the most to gain” in his eyes, Milroe enters the NFL Combine with everything to prove.

Jalen Milroe’s Journey to the NFL Combine

Jalen Milroe’s story begins in the heart of Texas, where he was a highly-touted recruit at the high school level. Playing for Katy High School, Milroe became known for his athleticism, arm strength, and leadership. His ability to both pass and run the football made him a dual-threat quarterback—a characteristic that has become a significant asset at the NFL level.

In high school, Milroe accumulated over 7,000 yards of total offense, showcasing his skills as both a passer and a runner. His combination of size, speed, and arm strength immediately caught the attention of college recruiters, and it wasn’t long before he committed to Alabama. At the time, many saw Milroe as a project quarterback—someone with immense upside but who would need time to develop his skills before making an impact at the college level.

Milroe arrived at Alabama in 2021 as part of a recruiting class that included several future stars. The quarterback competition in Tuscaloosa was intense, with Mac Jones leaving for the NFL and Bryce Young stepping into the starting role. Milroe, who was often considered the backup during his first few years at Alabama, spent his time learning behind Young and gaining valuable experience.

Milroe’s first major action came in the 2022 season, when he stepped in for Bryce Young during a couple of games due to injury. While Milroe’s performances were a mixed bag—flashes of brilliance paired with some inconsistencies—it was evident that his raw athleticism and potential were undeniable. Despite not having the same starting experience as his peers, Milroe continued to show that he had the tools to be a legitimate quarterback at the next level.

By the time the 2023 season arrived, Milroe was primed to take on a larger role within the Alabama offense. Though there were still questions surrounding his consistency, Milroe’s immense talent was evident. His ability to extend plays with his legs, combined with a cannon of an arm, allowed him to make electrifying plays both through the air and on the ground. Alabama’s offensive scheme in 2023 was designed to highlight Milroe’s strengths, which included a heavy emphasis on both the passing and running game.

In 2023, Milroe threw for over 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns while rushing for 800 yards and 11 touchdowns. While his passing game wasn’t always perfect, Milroe demonstrated a remarkable ability to make plays when needed most, showing his clutch gene and ability to lead his team in high-pressure moments. However, there were still questions about his decision-making, mechanics, and overall consistency as a passer—areas that he would need to improve in order to solidify his place as a first-round quarterback in the NFL Draft.

Despite these concerns, Milroe declared for the NFL Draft in 2025, and now the spotlight is on him as he prepares for the NFL Combine. With a mix of excitement and nerves, Milroe knows that the next few weeks will have a major impact on his future in the league.

Why Jalen Milroe Has ‘The Most to Gain’

Heading into the NFL Combine, Jalen Milroe is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft class. However, he also enters the Combine with more to prove than most of his counterparts. While quarterbacks like Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Will Levis have garnered much of the media attention heading into the draft, Milroe has remained somewhat of an enigma. His raw talent and physical gifts are undeniable, but there are legitimate questions about his ability to succeed at the next level.

The NFL Combine represents Milroe’s chance to answer these questions. It’s the place where scouts and teams will closely evaluate his physical attributes, such as his arm strength, mobility, and agility, as well as his mental capabilities, including his decision-making, football IQ, and leadership potential.

Physical Attributes: A Dual-Threat Quarterback

One of Milroe’s most notable strengths is his physicality. Standing at 6’2” and weighing around 220 pounds, Milroe has the prototypical build for a modern-day NFL quarterback. His athleticism is perhaps his most significant asset, as he possesses elite speed and strength for a quarterback. This allows him to make plays with his legs, whether scrambling to avoid a sack or taking off for a designed quarterback run.

Milroe’s ability to throw the ball with velocity is another impressive aspect of his game. He has a cannon for an arm and can make throws to all areas of the field, from deep bombs to quick slants. His deep ball, in particular, is one of his most dangerous weapons. His mobility and escapability in the pocket also make him a serious threat to defensive coordinators, as he is capable of breaking contain and turning a seemingly dead play into a huge gain.

That said, Milroe’s physical abilities have never been in question. His performance at the NFL Combine will give scouts an opportunity to evaluate how well his skills translate to the professional level, particularly in terms of consistency. The Combine will serve as a chance for Milroe to showcase his arm strength, his speed, and his athleticism in front of NFL decision-makers. If he can impress during these drills, he could vault up the draft boards and position himself as a first-round pick.

Mental Attributes: Decision-Making and Consistency

While Milroe’s physical tools are undeniable, his decision-making has often been a point of concern. Throughout his college career, Milroe has flashed moments of brilliance but also struggled with accuracy, timing, and making quick decisions under pressure. His decision-making, particularly in high-stress situations, has led to some inconsistent performances. NFL teams will need to see that Milroe has the mental fortitude and sharpness to thrive at the highest level.

The NFL Combine will give Milroe a chance to show how far he has come in these areas. While the Combine is typically a showcase for physical skills, many drills and interviews allow scouts to evaluate a player’s mental acuity and ability to absorb information quickly. Milroe’s ability to process the game, read defenses, and make smart decisions in the heat of competition will be critical for his NFL prospects.

Moreover, Milroe’s ability to conduct himself in interviews and show leadership potential will also play a major role in determining his draft stock. NFL teams are looking for players who are not only talented on the field but who also have the mental makeup to succeed in the professional ranks. A strong showing at the Combine, both on and off the field, could solidify Milroe’s place as one of the top quarterbacks in the draft.

The Impact of the NFL Combine on Milroe’s Draft Stock

Jalen Milroe enters the NFL Combine with everything to gain. If he can impress during the workouts, drills, and interviews, he has the chance to prove that his physical tools are enough to overcome the concerns about his decision-making and consistency. The Combine will give scouts and coaches a chance to see him up close and evaluate whether he is the type of quarterback who can succeed at the NFL level.

Milroe’s journey to the NFL is not an easy one, and there are still questions surrounding his readiness to be a starting quarterback in the league. However, his potential is limitless, and the NFL Combine could be the catalyst that propels him to the next level. If he can perform well under pressure, prove that he has developed the mental aspects of his game, and showcase his physical skills, Milroe’s draft stock could soar.

Ultimately, the NFL Combine is the stage that could define Jalen Milroe’s future. With “the most to gain” on the line, Milroe’s performance could be the difference between being an early-round selection or sliding down the draft boards. The time to prove his worth is now, and he has everything to gain from showcasing his skills to the NFL world.