It seems as though Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is leaning towards turning pro and entering the 2025 NFL Draft. However, this decision has sparked a lively debate among analysts, with ESPN college football analyst Jordan Rodgers firmly believing that it would be a mistake for Milroe to leave college just yet.
### A Disappointing Bowl Game Performance
Milroe’s performance in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan raised eyebrows and concerns. He completed 16 of 32 passes for 192 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception. Additionally, he rushed for 36 yards on three carries. Yet, the most alarming aspect of his game was the three turnovers he committed early on. At one point, he turned the ball over on three out of four plays, which included two fumbles and an interception. This dismal start contributed to Alabama falling behind 16-0 early in the game, although they did manage to fight back to within 19-13 before ultimately falling short.
### The Case for Staying in College
Rodgers, who spoke with Paul Finebaum after the game, expressed his concerns about Milroe’s readiness for the NFL. “Look, he’s not going to come back, I don’t think. But I think he absolutely should come back,” he stated emphatically. He pointed out that Milroe did not show significant growth during the season, emphasizing that he needs more time to develop as a passer rather than just relying on his athleticism.
### Analyzing Milroe’s Development
Milroe certainly showcased his athleticism throughout the season, demonstrating dynamic playmaking ability. He had moments of brilliance, such as a long run before halftime that set up a field goal. However, Rodgers noted that Milroe did not develop his pocket-passing skills, which are crucial for success at the next level. “He’s dynamic. When he takes off and runs, some of the stuff that he does is unbelievable. But he did not develop as a passer from in the pocket,” Rodgers added.
### The Ups and Downs of the 2024 Season
Looking at the bigger picture, Milroe finished the 2024 season with impressive statistics: 2,652 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for an impressive 719 yards and 20 scores. While these numbers highlight his potential, they also reveal a dip in his passing performance compared to the previous year when he led the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff in 2023.
### The Importance of Growth
Rodgers further elaborated on Milroe’s performance, stating, “You watch early in this game against Michigan, his feet were slow, getting to reads, getting through progressions. He was late, caused some of the issues, the turnovers, was slipping. It was ugly.” This lack of development throughout the season is a significant concern for Rodgers, who wishes Milroe would return for another year to refine his skills. “I think he needs it,” he concluded.
### The Impact of Turnovers
The turnovers in the bowl game were particularly damaging. Paul Finebaum remarked on how improbable it was for Milroe to start the game so poorly, noting, “I mean, I think he had two fumbles and an interception in the first three possessions.” Such mistakes not only hurt Alabama’s chances in the game but also raised questions about Milroe’s decision-making under pressure.
### The Road Ahead for Milroe
As Milroe contemplates his future, the question remains: Is he ready to take the leap to the NFL? While he has undeniable talent, the consensus among analysts like Rodgers is that he would benefit from another year in college. The opportunity to develop his passing game, improve his decision-making, and gain more experience could be invaluable.
### The Bigger Picture
In the world of college football, decisions like these can shape a player’s career. For Milroe, the choice to enter the draft or return to Alabama could have long-lasting implications. If he opts to stay, he could refine his skills and potentially elevate his draft stock for 2026. If he chooses to go pro, he may face challenges that could have been mitigated with another year of development.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Jalen Milroe. Will he heed the advice of analysts and return to Alabama for one more season, or will he take the plunge into the NFL? The college football community is eager to find out, and whatever decision he makes will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in his career.
