USA TODAY Sports’ names Jalen Milroe among players who could impress at NFL combine

The NFL Combine is a highly anticipated event in the world of football, where prospects from across the country come together to showcase their physical and mental attributes in front of coaches, scouts, and executives. It’s a crucial moment for players looking to make a name for themselves and improve their draft stock. For Jalen Milroe, the Alabama quarterback, the 2025 NFL Draft process presents a pivotal opportunity to prove he belongs among the elite prospects in his class. According to USA TODAY Sports, Milroe is among the players who could impress at the NFL Combine, and the attention surrounding his potential is well-deserved.

Milroe’s journey to this point has been filled with ups and downs, and his path to the NFL Combine is no exception. As the starting quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Milroe’s performance over the last couple of seasons has drawn both praise and criticism. Despite playing behind a strong and talented roster, Milroe has had to face adversity and expectations from Alabama’s passionate fanbase, who are accustomed to the high standard set by previous quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young.

But Milroe’s time at Alabama has been about much more than just overcoming challenges. It’s been a journey of growth, leadership, and development. The question remains: can Jalen Milroe impress enough at the NFL Combine to significantly boost his draft stock and potentially secure his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft? To answer that question, we’ll take a closer look at Milroe’s potential, the traits that could make him stand out at the NFL Combine, and what his future in the NFL might hold.

1. Jalen Milroe’s Journey at Alabama

Jalen Milroe’s path to becoming one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft has been anything but linear. He came to Alabama as a highly touted recruit from Katy, Texas, known for his dual-threat ability. Milroe was a highly ranked prospect coming out of high school, ranked as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. However, his transition to the college level has been a process of adapting to the demands of playing for a program as prestigious as Alabama.

During his time at Alabama, Milroe has had to wait his turn behind some of the best quarterbacks in recent memory. After backing up Bryce Young in 2022, Milroe was thrust into the starting role for the Crimson Tide in 2023, following Young’s departure to the NFL. The expectations were high, as Alabama fans and analysts alike were eager to see how Milroe would fill the shoes of his predecessors.

Milroe’s 2023 season was marked by flashes of brilliance, but also some inconsistency. As a dual-threat quarterback, he showcased his impressive athleticism, often making plays with his legs that could completely shift the momentum of a game. His strong arm also made him dangerous in the passing game, especially on deep balls. However, Milroe struggled with consistency in his decision-making and his accuracy at times, which led to some question marks about his readiness for the next level.

Despite these ups and downs, Milroe’s raw talent and potential were never in question. His ability to make plays in a variety of ways, both through the air and on the ground, made him a dynamic threat. By the end of the season, Milroe had shown enough improvement and growth to cement himself as one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

2. The NFL Combine: A Crucial Stage for Milroe’s Draft Stock

The NFL Combine is a defining moment for every draft prospect, particularly for quarterbacks, who are scrutinized heavily during the event. For Milroe, this year’s Combine will be an opportunity to prove that he has the physical traits, mental fortitude, and competitive drive needed to succeed at the next level. Here’s a breakdown of how Milroe’s skills could impress scouts and evaluators during the Combine:

A. Physical Tools and Athleticism

One of the standout qualities of Jalen Milroe is his athleticism. Milroe is a true dual-threat quarterback, capable of making plays both with his arm and his legs. At the Combine, Milroe will have the chance to showcase his incredible physical tools in a variety of drills.

1. Speed and Agility: Milroe’s speed has been a significant asset in college, as he is able to escape pressure and extend plays with his legs. He has the ability to run a 4.4 or 4.5-second 40-yard dash, which would put him among the fastest quarterbacks in the draft class. His ability to scramble and make plays on the run is something that NFL teams value in today’s mobile quarterback-driven league.
2. Arm Strength: Milroe’s arm strength is another key attribute that will be on full display during the Combine. Known for his ability to make deep throws and launch the ball downfield with ease, Milroe could impress scouts with his ability to throw the ball with velocity and precision. His strong arm makes him a threat on deep passes, a skill that many NFL teams look for when evaluating quarterbacks.
3. Size and Physicality: At 6-foot-2 and around 220 pounds, Milroe has the size to withstand the physical demands of playing quarterback in the NFL. His size, combined with his athleticism, makes him a tough player to bring down in the pocket. His physicality allows him to break tackles and extend plays, which could help him thrive in the NFL, where quarterbacks are often required to make plays outside the pocket.

B. Accuracy and Decision-Making

While Milroe’s physical tools are undeniable, there are still questions about his consistency as a passer. One of the areas where he has shown improvement at Alabama has been his decision-making. While his deep ball accuracy is strong, Milroe still needs to refine his short-to-intermediate game, where he sometimes struggles with touch and precision.

During the Combine, Milroe will have the chance to show off his passing mechanics and his ability to make accurate throws in various drills. The Combine’s passing drills, such as throwing to moving targets and passing under pressure, will give him the opportunity to demonstrate that he can make quick, accurate decisions and hit all the necessary throws. If Milroe can prove that his accuracy and decision-making have improved, he could silence some of the doubts surrounding his ability to thrive in the NFL.

C. Leadership and Mental Toughness

One aspect of Milroe that will be difficult to showcase at the Combine but still essential to his NFL prospects is his leadership ability and mental toughness. In college football, a quarterback’s leadership qualities are crucial to his success. Milroe has shown the ability to rally his teammates and stay poised in the face of adversity. His leadership and ability to handle pressure will be significant factors when NFL teams evaluate his readiness to start at the professional level.

3. The Potential Fit: Which NFL Teams Could Be Interested in Milroe?

Assuming Milroe impresses at the NFL Combine, the next question is: where does he fit in the NFL? While it’s difficult to predict exactly which teams will target him, certain franchises may have a better fit for his skill set and development.

A. Teams Seeking a Dual-Threat Quarterback

Milroe’s ability to make plays with his legs and his arm makes him an ideal fit for teams looking to add a dual-threat quarterback to their roster. In the modern NFL, mobile quarterbacks are in high demand, and teams that value a quarterback’s ability to extend plays outside the pocket would be highly interested in Milroe.

Teams such as the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, or Atlanta Falcons—who have a history of utilizing dual-threat quarterbacks—could be potential landing spots for Milroe. These teams might value Milroe’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways, both as a passer and a runner.

B. Teams with Quarterback Development Focus

Another possible fit for Milroe could be a team that has a solid veteran quarterback but is looking for a project to develop over time. A team like the Minnesota Vikings, with Kirk Cousins at the helm, could see Milroe as a future starter who could learn behind a veteran and develop his passing skills over time. Teams in this situation may be more willing to take a chance on Milroe’s raw athleticism and upside, knowing that he’ll need some time to refine his game.

4. The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Jalen Milroe?

As Jalen Milroe prepares for the NFL Combine, his journey is just beginning. While the Combine is an important step in his development as a prospect, it’s just one part of a much larger process. Milroe will need to continue refining his game, learning from experienced coaches, and making the necessary adjustments to succeed at the next level.

For Milroe, the Combine represents an opportunity to prove that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level of football. If he can impress in Indianapolis, he’ll solidify his place as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft. But regardless of the outcome, Milroe’s athleticism, leadership, and growth over the years have positioned him for a bright future in the NFL.

 The Future Is Bright for Milroe

Jalen Milroe’s potential as an NFL quarterback is undeniable, and with the right performance at the NFL Combine, he could solidify his place as one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft. While he still has areas to improve, particularly in his passing accuracy and decision-making, his physical traits and leadership ability make him a tantalizing prospect. The Combine will be the next major step in Milroe’s journey, but his work ethic and dedication to improvement will ultimately determine how far he can go in the NFL. For now, Milroe remains one of the most exciting and unpredictable prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.