Despite Alabama’s dominance under Nick Saban, winning multiple national championships, Crimson Tide quarterbacks have had mixed results in the NFL. No Alabama QB had won a Super Bowl since 1976 until Jalen Hurts accomplished it this year. Many were first-round picks, largely due to the program’s success. But it seems that won’t be the case for the latest quarterback to come out of Alabama — Jalen Milroe.
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When Milroe threw at the Combine, he showcased his elite arm strength and athletic build — looking every bit like a quarterback with immense potential. However, accuracy remained a concern, just as it had been throughout his college career. His Combine outings did little to convince scouts that he had improved in that area.
The overwhelming belief in league circles is that while he is gifted athletically, the raw prospect needs significant development. This sentiment was echoed by analyst Chris Simms, who believed that Milroe wouldn’t even be selected in the second round. On the latest episode of Unbuttoned, he explained why teams will hesitate to draft the QB early, after comparing Milroe to Hurts.
Simms elaborated that while Hurts was also a developmental player, he had an undeniable presence on the gridiron, and had already proven he could make key throws in college. Milroe’s film, on the other hand, doesn’t show the same reliability.
“He’s got tremendous high-end talent but I don’t think he’s going to go in the second round either. I think, there’s a little bit too much project there,” said Simms.
“We had moments with Jalen. Milroe, as the year went on, wasn’t as good and couldn’t run the ball, it exposed him a little bit. I don’t think he’s in the second round. Maybe late third round, it might be the start of day three,” he added.
When Alabama was playing well, Milroe looked elite. But when things fell apart, his weaknesses — poor accuracy, inconsistent decision-making, and limited pocket presence — were magnified.
Because of this, Simms doesn’t believe teams will invest a first- or second-round pick in Milroe. However, he also acknowledged that Milroe has an even higher ceiling than Hurts.
With superior athleticism and a stronger arm, his raw potential is undeniable. There were no doubts about Milroe’s ability as a dynamic runner either. While he isn’t the tallest quarterback, he possesses the durability needed for the NFL.
But what Hurts had — experience, poise, and accuracy — is exactly what Milroe lacks at the moment. His inconsistent footwork limits his ability to throw effectively from the pocket. Milroe also tends to hold onto the ball too long, a byproduct of his struggles with processing defenses quickly.
Milroe has undeniable strengths, but his flaws currently outweigh them. To become a reliable NFL starter, he’ll need significant development and a well-structured offensive system.
