At the 2025 NFL Combine, Milroe’s deep accuracy turned heads, while his hand size grew to 9⅜ inches, exceeding expectations.

The bright lights of Lucas Oil Stadium often serve as the proving ground for the NFL’s next generation of stars. And at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, no quarterback commanded more attention than Alabama’s Jalen Milroe.

Known for his explosive athleticism and dual-threat capability, Milroe entered the Combine with a polarizing draft profile—high upside but concerns about consistency and mechanics. By the time the quarterback workouts concluded, however, many of those doubts had faded. Milroe delivered a stellar performance that had scouts, analysts, and fans buzzing. He showed not only elite deep ball accuracy, but also surprised many with a critical physical measurement: a hand size increase that pushed him above the NFL’s benchmark.

As the NFL Draft approaches, Milroe’s Combine showing may have just solidified his spot as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 class.

Deep Ball Dominance: A Showcase of Arm Talent

Milroe’s performance during the throwing session was electric. While other quarterbacks stuck to rhythm throws and short-to-intermediate accuracy, Milroe let it fly. On multiple deep routes—go balls, posts, and deep outs—he consistently dropped the ball in stride to receivers, drawing audible reactions from media and evaluators in attendance.

NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah called it, “One of the best deep ball displays we’ve seen at the Combine in recent years.”

Milroe’s deep throws weren’t just powerful—they were precise. With tight spirals, ideal trajectory, and a knack for anticipating the break of his receivers, Milroe erased any lingering doubt about his vertical passing ability. His footwork was sharper, his release was quicker, and most importantly, he threw with confidence and command.

This was a different Milroe from the early stages of his Alabama career—more refined, more deliberate, and more professional.

Hand Size Surprise: From Question Mark to Green Flag

One of the more intriguing moments from Milroe’s Combine experience didn’t happen on the field—it happened during measurements.

At the Senior Bowl in Mobile earlier this year, Milroe’s hand size was recorded at 8¾ inches, slightly below the NFL’s preferred minimum of 9 inches for quarterbacks. While hand size isn’t a deal-breaker, it does raise concerns about ball security and handling in adverse weather conditions.

So when Milroe’s hands measured at 9⅜ inches at the Combine, eyebrows were raised—in a good way.

Medical staff attributed the discrepancy to hydration, swelling, and measurement technique differences. Whatever the cause, Milroe’s new number put him comfortably above the league’s threshold, eliminating a potential red flag for teams and adding another checkmark to his Combine success.

“It’s not something I was focused on,” Milroe said with a smile during interviews. “I just came here to compete and show who I am as a quarterback.”

Rising Stock: What Scouts Are Saying

NFL scouts left Indianapolis raving about Milroe’s performance. One AFC South scout put it bluntly:

“If you were unsure about his arm before today, you’re not anymore. The kid can absolutely rip it. That was a big-time day.”

Another NFC offensive coordinator compared his upside to that of Anthony Richardson, the former Florida quarterback and now Indianapolis Colts starter who saw a meteoric rise after his own Combine performance.

“Milroe’s tools are elite,” the coach said. “He’s a better passer right now than Richardson was at this stage. If you’re willing to be patient and coach him, you’ve got a potential franchise guy.”

Milroe’s athletic testing—while not as eye-popping as his throwing—was still impressive. He ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, posted a 36-inch vertical, and moved smoothly through the position drills. The combination of power, grace, and refined mechanics made it clear: this isn’t just an athlete playing quarterback—this is a quarterback with elite athleticism.

From Tuscaloosa to the Big Stage: Milroe’s Journey

Milroe’s path to the Combine wasn’t linear. A four-star recruit from Katy, Texas, he arrived at Alabama with high expectations but had to wait his turn behind Bryce Young. His early appearances were mixed—flashes of brilliance often offset by erratic decision-making.

But when given the full-time starting role in 2023, Milroe began to blossom. Under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and then later Nick Sheridan, he developed as a passer while retaining the dual-threat dynamism that made him dangerous on every snap.

In his final collegiate season, Milroe threw for over 3,500 yards and 32 touchdowns, adding another 700 yards and 10 scores on the ground. He led Alabama to a College Football Playoff appearance and became a fan favorite for his grit, poise, and highlight-reel plays.

Yet, doubts persisted about his consistency, pocket discipline, and mechanics—doubts he may have erased in Indianapolis.

A Measured, Mature Milroe

One of the biggest takeaways from Combine week was Milroe’s demeanor. Confident but composed, he handled interviews with polish and humility.

When asked about his development at Alabama, he credited his coaches, teammates, and his own willingness to learn.

“I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Playing at Alabama, there’s pressure every day. But pressure makes you better,” he said. “I embraced the competition. I embraced the coaching. And I worked—every day—to be the best quarterback I could be.”

Teams reportedly praised his football IQ and leadership qualities during interviews. Milroe spoke in detail about protections, route combinations, and defensive recognition, impressing teams with his mental grasp of the game.

In a draft class full of raw talent, Milroe’s blend of maturity, physical upside, and big-stage experience sets him apart.

Where Could He Land?

With his Combine performance in the books, mock drafts have begun shifting.

Before the Combine, Milroe was often slotted as a second- or third-round prospect—an intriguing project with first-round traits. Now, some analysts believe he could sneak into the late first round, especially with QB-needy teams like the Raiders, Vikings, and Seahawks lurking.

Don’t be surprised if a team with an aging starter (looking at you, Dallas or Tampa Bay) makes a move to draft and develop him behind a veteran. Milroe’s skill set would thrive in a system that utilizes play-action, movement, and deep shots.

And if a team wants to roll the dice on a dynamic, high-upside prospect who has already faced college football’s brightest spotlight, Milroe could be their guy.

What’s Next

With his stock on the rise, Milroe is expected to participate in Alabama’s Pro Day, where he’ll have another opportunity to throw in front of scouts—this time with familiar receivers. He’ll also meet with teams individually for private workouts and interviews, where his charisma and command of the playbook could further elevate his standing.

The NFL Draft is just weeks away, and Jalen Milroe is now firmly in the conversation as one of the most intriguing—and fast-rising—quarterbacks in the 2025 class.

Final Thoughts

The NFL Combine has long been a showcase for potential—and Jalen Milroe made the most of it. In a setting built for spotlighting talent, he rose above the noise and delivered a performance that may very well reshape the course of his career.

With a cannon for an arm, increased physical measurables, and a refined, mature approach to the game, Milroe leaves Indianapolis with more than just headlines—he leaves with real momentum.

Whatever team drafts him will be getting a quarterback on the rise—and maybe, just maybe, the next face of their franchise.