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Alabama QB Jalen Milroe participated in his Pro Day on Wednesday as he looks to continue bolstering his NFL Draft stock. A number of professional teams were on hand. He put his athleticism on display for all in attendance.
Milroe didn’t run his 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He did this week in Tuscaloosa, and the quarterback didn’t disappoint.
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The passer clocked an unofficial time of 4.37 seconds. That easily bested NFL Combine top performer Brady Cook’s 4.59.
Jalen Milroe is the most dynamic player at his position this draft class. Unfortunately, questions surround his ability to make throws from the pocket, among other critiques.
He struggled with short to intermediate passing at the Senior Bowl in Mobile this offseason. He was accused of inadvertently tipping plays in a bowl loss vs. Michigan. He also failed to protect the football in his final collegiate season (11 interceptions).
Despite inconsistencies with the fundamentals of playing under center, he refuses to change positions.
Jalen Milroe will play QB in the NFL.
He’s been asked to switch positions dating back to his time at Alabama. Former OC Bill O’Brien suggested a change, which the passer opened up on at the Rose Bowl in 2023.
The full quote: pic.twitter.com/njND643iKw
— Blake Byler (@blakebyler45) December 28, 2023
He rejected the notion then, and he continues to reject it now.
“You never ask a zebra to be a dog.” -Jalen Milroe
Milroe’s skillset is unique. NFL analyst Greg Cosell called him a quarterback in a fullback’s body when breaking down his professional outlook.
“His transition projection will be a function of what coaches and evaluators value in the quarterback position…he’s not really a nuanced pocket player…”@GregCosell explains what he sees from Jalen Milroe: pic.twitter.com/XjLTbPVvGo
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) February 22, 2025
His speed is his top attribute. During his final season, he was clocked at nearly 22 MPH on a long touchdown run vs. LSU. His latest 40-time was only confirmation of what was already known.
Often times, players with Milroe’s abilities are asked to make a change to best utilize their athleticism. He’s refusing. His decision to stay at quarterback will play a role in his NFL Draft future.
At the moment, Mel Kiper projects the Alabama product as a second-round pick. He’s been in talks with the Pittsburgh Steelers, among other teams, in the pre-draft process.
Mel Kiper Jr. sees Jalen Milroe as a second rounder: “Inconsistency in short and intermediate areas” will hold him back.
“Talent’s there. Great kid”
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) March 19, 2025
Time will tell where Jalen Milroe ends up. We’ll soon see if his decision to remain under center was the correct one. The first round of the NFL Draft is set to take place on April 24. The versatile star should hear his name called within the first two days, regardless of position.