Jalen Milroe has become one of the most talked-about players during Senior Bowl week in Mobile, and for good reason. As the spotlight shines on him, fans and NFL scouts alike are eager to see how the former Alabama quarterback performs in the days leading up to Saturday’s 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl game at Hancock Whitney Stadium.
Jalen Milroe looking to improve stock ahead of 2025 NFL Draft
Milroe’s journey has been anything but straightforward. After a promising start as the Crimson Tide’s starter, he faced scrutiny during his second season in 2024, especially under new head coach Kalen DeBoer. Despite finishing the season with an SEC-best 36 total touchdowns, including 20 rushing scores, he recorded 2,844 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, completing 64.3% of his passes. His rushing ability was undeniable, as he added 726 rushing yards, bringing his total over the past two seasons to an impressive 1,257 rushing yards and 32 rushing touchdowns.
While Milroe’s stats are impressive, he remains a polarizing figure among NFL personnel. Many view him as one of the next-best quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class, but he is often seen as trailing behind the top two prospects: Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. This makes his performance at the Senior Bowl critical for his draft stock.
What to watch for in Milroe’s Senior Bowl performance
As practices kicked off at the iconic Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the excitement in the air was palpable. ESPN insider Field Yates was on-site and shared his insights on what he hopes to see from Milroe throughout the week. Yates emphasized the need for Milroe to improve his timing and rhythm in passing, particularly on short and medium throws.
“Let’s begin with Jalen Milroe, who is just electric as a runner for Alabama — that’s not the question though,” Yates stated. “He might run a 4.37 (40-yard dash) once we get to the Combine, but we’ve got to see if he can refine his precision passing game.” This highlights the duality of Milroe’s skill set: while his speed is impressive, the NFL demands more than just athleticism. “Can this guy consistently hit open receivers in the short and intermediate passing game? He’s got a rocket down the field, but that being said, he needs to be more consistent. Because in the NFL, you can’t live off of vertical shots and quarterback runs.”
The competition Milroe faces at the Senior Bowl
Milroe is not alone in his quest for NFL recognition. He is one of four quarterbacks on the American Team roster, joined by Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart, Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard, and Memphis’ Seth Henigan. This diverse group of talent means that Milroe will have to stand out to catch the eyes of scouts and coaches. Meanwhile, the National Team features notable quarterbacks like Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, Louisville’s Tyler Shough, and Canadian quarterback Taylor Elgersma from Wilfrid Laurier.
With so many talented players vying for attention, Milroe’s ability to showcase his skills will be crucial. He needs to demonstrate that he can not only make the big plays but also manage the game effectively. This is where the Senior Bowl becomes a pivotal moment for him — a chance to solidify his place among the top quarterbacks in the upcoming draft.
The path ahead for Milroe
As the week unfolds, all eyes will be on Milroe to see if he can rise to the occasion. The Senior Bowl is more than just a game; it’s a platform for players to showcase their abilities to NFL teams and decision-makers. For Milroe, this is an opportunity to refine his skills and prove that he can be a reliable quarterback at the next level.
Ultimately, the question remains: Can Jalen Milroe elevate his game and enhance his draft stock? With the right performance, he could not only silence his critics but also position himself as a strong contender in the 2025 NFL Draft. As fans and scouts eagerly await the upcoming practices and the game itself, one thing is clear: Milroe’s journey is just beginning, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
