Before the Crimson Tide’s pro day, Jalen Milroe of Alabama has dinner with the quarterback-hungry NFL team.
As Alabama’s Pro Day approaches in the spring of 2025, all eyes are on Jalen Milroe, the dynamic dual-threat quarterback who made a lasting impact in Tuscaloosa during his time with the Crimson Tide. Milroe’s journey has captivated college football fans, with his athleticism and playmaking ability making him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. However, before his Pro Day, where he’ll showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts and coaches, Milroe had a crucial meeting with one of the NFL’s quarterback-hungry teams. This dinner, which took place in the days leading up to Alabama’s Pro Day, was a pivotal moment in Milroe’s draft journey—one that could shape his future as an NFL quarterback.
The Importance of the Dinner
For any player heading into the NFL Draft, the days leading up to their Pro Day are filled with intense preparation. There are physical drills, interviews, and evaluations, but one of the most crucial aspects of the process is the meetings with potential teams. NFL organizations are not only evaluating a player’s physical tools but also their mental makeup, character, and fit within the team’s system. One of the best ways to gauge these factors is through informal interactions, like dinners with team representatives, coaches, and general managers.
For Milroe, this dinner was an opportunity to connect with a team that is desperately in need of a quarterback—someone who can be both a leader and a game-changer. The team he met with was reportedly a franchise that has struggled to find a long-term solution at quarterback, and they are keenly aware of Milroe’s potential as a dual-threat quarterback. A dinner meeting with such a franchise represents more than just a social event—it’s an opportunity to build a rapport, showcase leadership skills, and convey how Milroe’s unique abilities would fit into their plans for the future.
At the dinner, Milroe likely answered questions about his time at Alabama, his leadership qualities, and his work ethic. He was also likely asked about his ability to adjust to the NFL game, given the differences between college and professional football. The conversation would have touched on Milroe’s ability to make quick decisions in the pocket, read defenses, and handle the pressure of playing at the next level.
The Quarterback-Hungry NFL Team
The team that Milroe met with was one of several in the NFL who has been searching for a franchise quarterback for years. This team, struggling with inconsistency at the quarterback position, is in a unique position in the draft: they have the potential to select one of the top quarterbacks available, but they must make sure that the player they invest in has the qualities to lead the team for years to come. For this team, Milroe represents a tantalizing blend of athleticism, leadership, and untapped potential.
During his time at Alabama, Milroe was known for his dual-threat ability. He wasn’t just a quarterback who could throw, but one who could change the course of a game with his legs. His strong arm, combined with his explosive running ability, made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. These traits are exactly what many NFL teams are seeking in today’s game, where mobility at the quarterback position has become an invaluable asset.
However, as NFL teams evolve, there’s also an increasing focus on the development of the quarterback’s mental game. Teams don’t just want someone who can make spectacular plays—they want a quarterback who can command the offense, read defenses, and lead the team both on and off the field. This is where Milroe’s dinner with the quarterback-hungry NFL team became important. It wasn’t just about what Milroe could do on the field; it was about how he could develop as a professional quarterback in an NFL system.
Jalen Milroe’s Career at Alabama: A Dual-Threat Legacy
Milroe’s time at Alabama was marked by significant highs and some developmental lows—characteristics that are not uncommon for a player transitioning from a backup role to the starting quarterback position. Milroe served as the backup to Bryce Young, Alabama’s star quarterback, and during his time as a reserve, he had a chance to learn from one of the best college quarterbacks of all time. This invaluable experience allowed him to grow, both as a player and as a leader, and he would eventually get his shot as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide.
During his time as Alabama’s starter, Milroe proved to be a dynamic weapon for head coach Nick Saban. He played in 2024 after Bryce Young’s departure to the NFL, stepping into the spotlight and leading Alabama’s offense. Milroe’s dual-threat ability was on full display as he racked up impressive rushing numbers to complement his passing yards. In addition to his physical gifts, Milroe demonstrated resilience and leadership on the field, both qualities that NFL teams look for in their quarterbacks.
Milroe’s rushing ability made him a dual threat that few defenses could handle. Whether he was taking off on a designed run or improvising to extend a play, his speed and elusiveness kept defenses on edge. However, Milroe also demonstrated significant progress as a passer. His mechanics continued to improve over time, and while he was not always the most polished passer, his ability to make quick decisions and throw the ball with velocity was a key factor in Alabama’s offensive attack.
Although Milroe wasn’t perfect, his journey at Alabama gave NFL teams plenty to work with. His ability to play in big games in the SEC, handle pressure, and improve over time made him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking a quarterback who could grow into a long-term solution.
The Dinner Discussion: What Milroe Brought to the Table
The dinner with the quarterback-hungry NFL team was a crucial moment for Milroe to showcase his character and leadership qualities. NFL teams are not only looking for physical talent—they want players who can handle the pressures of being the face of a franchise. Milroe’s experience at Alabama, where he played under the intense scrutiny of Nick Saban’s program, prepared him for this moment.
Milroe’s leadership and maturity would have been key talking points at the dinner. His ability to handle adversity during his time at Alabama—especially following the pressure of taking over from a legend like Bryce Young—was likely a point of conversation. Saban has often praised Milroe for his work ethic, focus, and determination to improve, all qualities that NFL teams highly value in quarterbacks.
At the dinner, Milroe also had the chance to discuss how he plans to develop his game further at the NFL level. Teams want to know how players handle feedback, and Milroe likely expressed his commitment to improving both his physical and mental game. He could have discussed how he plans to work with coaches, study film, and adjust his throwing mechanics to become a more accurate passer. NFL teams want quarterbacks who are willing to put in the work to become better every day, and Milroe’s willingness to develop himself would have been a major selling point.
The dinner also offered an opportunity for Milroe to get a sense of the team’s culture and how he might fit into it. Teams want players who not only fit their systems but also align with their values and work ethic. By engaging with coaches, general managers, and other staff members over dinner, Milroe had a chance to showcase his personality and let the team see how he might mesh with their existing roster.
What’s Next for Milroe: The Pro Day and Beyond
After the dinner, Milroe’s focus will shift to his Pro Day, where he will get the opportunity to showcase his physical talents to NFL scouts and coaches. This event is crucial for Milroe’s draft stock, as it will allow teams to evaluate his arm strength, accuracy, mobility, and overall physical tools. While the dinner allowed Milroe to highlight his leadership, Pro Day will give him the chance to prove his skills on the field.
Milroe has already built a reputation as an exciting and promising quarterback prospect, but his Pro Day performance will provide the final piece of the puzzle. Teams will be watching closely to see how Milroe handles the pressure of performing in front of scouts and how he stacks up against other quarterbacks in the draft class.
In the weeks following Pro Day, Milroe will likely undergo further meetings with NFL teams, where he will continue to solidify his draft position. The team he had dinner with will be monitoring his progress and evaluating whether he’s the right fit for their quarterback needs. It’s possible that Milroe could land in a system that values his dual-threat capabilities and views him as a potential starting quarterback, or he may be drafted by a team looking for a developmental project with the physical tools to become an elite signal-caller.
