Alabama’s Jalen Milroe is a polarizing figure in college football—a quarterback with a big name from an even bigger program. However, the question looms large over his prospects at the professional level: does he have the quarterbacking talent necessary to succeed in the NFL?
Milroe’s career so far has been anything but predictable. He possesses a knack for making the extraordinary seem effortless, but consistency hasn’t always been his strong suit. We saw the full Jalen Milroe experience recently in a game against Michigan, where a crucial decision resulted in a misplaced pass to nowhere. Milroe is a quarterback who oscillates between jaw-dropping highlights and frustrating setbacks, capitalizing on Alabama’s storied reputation while navigating the challenges inherent in his own game.
Consider his performances this past season as a microcosm of his capabilities and limitations. Against Georgia, Milroe was spectacular, amassing an impressive 374 yards passing and adding 117 on the ground. Yet, when faced with a less formidable Oklahoma team, he stumbled, throwing three interceptions in a humbling 24-3 defeat. Losses like the one against Vanderbilt, 40-35, and the 24-17 setback at Tennessee further highlighted the inconsistency in his play.
Milroe’s vibrant personality and athletic prowess at 22 years old make him a likable figure. He’s fast, with an arm to match. However, when you look at the legacies of some recent Alabama quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Tua Tagovailoa, and Bryce Young, a pattern emerges. Hurts has shown real promise, yet a Super Bowl ring remains elusive. Tagovailoa’s durability issues are a concern, and Young, despite his talents, finds himself functioning more as a backup than a leading starter.
Staying at Alabama might serve Milroe best, providing him more time to refine his game. While he is likely to garner attention on draft night, it’s uncertain if he can rise to the occasion at the pro level. The NFL often drafts based on potential upside, similar to the NBA’s approach. Sometimes that gamble pays off, other times it doesn’t. As it stands, Milroe appears to be closer to the latter—a high-profile name with questions left to answer.
