A Texas native, Jalen Milroe finished his prep career as a four-star recruit and one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation. After passing up offers from multiple big-name programs, Milroe committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide where he’d redshirt as a true freshman and backup eventual No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young in 2022.
Height: 6-foot-1 1/2
Weight: 217 pounds
40 time: 4.45 seconds (estimated)
In 2023, Milroe moved into the starting lineup and led the Tide to the SEC Championship, finishing as the game’s MVP. He’d account for 35 touchdowns on the season and one-up himself the next season. A two-time team captain and son of United States service members, Milroe is often credited for his character and poise. This pedigree could see him getting drafted earlier than his on-field maturation may imply. Expect a Day 2 selection.
Table: QB Jalen Milroe, Alabama (2021-24)
*includes postseason/bowl games (stats from Sports Reference)
Pros
- Freakishly athletic — his fluid mobility jumps off the screen
- A dynamic rusher whose ability to house it any time he touches the ball is elite — and he play with that mindset
- Can make just about any throw look effortless — some impressive tosses on vertical routes while off-platform
- Excellent team leader, student of the game, and high-character person
- Career-defining upside as a passer with proper coaching in the right system
- Ideal fit for zone-read schemes
- Tough competitor in the face of a pass rush — considerable tape of him making plays with defenders barreling down
- Lightning-fast release when he’s at his best
- Adequately built frame to withstand running as a pro quarterback
Cons
- Struggles with accuracy, especially for layering throws over intermediate defenders — mostly fixable with better footwork and touch
- Probably will struggle in a timing-based passing scheme — will be at his best in a run-heavy, RPO system
- Low floor if he cannot improve decision-making and progression through his reads
- His footwork is wildly inconsistent — tends to be overly reliant on his raw arm talent over focusing on being mechanically sound
- Suspect play vs. SEC opponents in 2024 with twice as many interceptions as TDs thrown
Fantasy football outlook
As mentioned, he’s probably a Day 2 selection, likely in Round 3 with a hint of sneaking into the second. Milroe’s landing spot is more important for his long-term success than with other quarterback profiles. Provided he winds up in a favorable spot, expect a year of learning behind a starter before he gets a legit chance to take control of an offense.
Rushing skills are a premium trait for fantasy quarterbacks, especially in today’s NFL, and Milroe finding a home in a design that will let him be him could create immediate fantasy returns.
Call it lazy, but he profiles similarly to Jalen Hurts — another Nick Saban recruit. If that’s how Milroe translates to the NFL in time, he’ll be a key fantasy selection for years to come.
Dynasty leaguers willing to gamble should put him a little higher on the list if they can stash him for a year or two.