Jalen Milroe is quickly making a name for himself as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football. After being named MVP of the 2024 SEC Championship Game, he echoed a sentiment from Jalen Hurts, another former Alabama QB who faced similar challenges on his path to NFL stardom.
The parallels between Milroe and Hurts are striking, and as Milroe’s stock rises ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, fans and scouts alike are wondering: Could Milroe follow in Hurts’ footsteps and become the next big thing at the next level?
Two Paths, One Destination: From Houston to Alabama
Both Jalen Milroe and Jalen Hurts share Texas roots and hail from Houston. Interestingly, both were ranked as the 18th-best recruit in Texas in their respective classes. But the similarities don’t stop there. Hurts led Alabama to a national title before facing adversity when he was benched in favor of Tua Tagovailoa. He eventually transferred to Oklahoma, thrived, and became a Heisman Trophy runner-up before entering the NFL.
Milroe, on the other hand, remained in Tuscaloosa despite facing his own challenges. After showing glimpses of his potential in previous seasons, 2024 became his breakout year. With Nick Saban retiring and new head coach Kalen DeBoer at the helm, Milroe guided Alabama to the College Football Playoff, proving he could handle the pressure.
Though Hurts took a different route by transferring, both quarterbacks faced adversity, learned from it, and came out stronger. Milroe’s decision to stay at Alabama has already paid off, and now he’s poised to reach the next level, just like Hurts.
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Physical Tools: Milroe’s Explosive Athleticism
One of the key attributes that sets Jalen Milroe apart is his elite athleticism. At 6-foot-1 and 225 pounds, Milroe has a similar build to Hurts, but his speed and acceleration put him in a league of his own. While Jalen Hurts shows strength and mobility, Milroe displays more explosiveness, resembling a quarterback like Anthony Richardson regarding raw athletic ability. His acceleration in the open field is jaw-dropping, making him a nightmare for defenders in the read-option game.
Milroe’s running ability is exceptional, and he’s a true dual-threat quarterback. In a pivotal third-and-goal situation against Wisconsin, Milroe simply outran the defense to score, showing how dangerous he can be when he tucks the ball and takes off. With his vision and physicality, Milroe has the potential to be just as productive on the ground as he is through the air, making him one of the most versatile quarterbacks in college football.
Deep Ball Mastery: Milroe’s Strength Outside the Numbers
Milroe has drawn comparisons to Jalen Hurts for his ability to make plays outside the numbers. Milroe’s deep passing ability has become a hallmark of his game, much like it was for Hurts. Milroe ranked among the nation’s best in completions and touchdowns of 20-plus yards last season, and his vertical passing game continues to shine in 2024.
He thrives in delivering perfectly timed deep passes, often threading the ball into tight windows or putting it where only his receiver can make a play.
One standout moment came during Alabama’s game against Wisconsin, when Milroe launched a perfectly placed deep ball to freshman receiver Ryan Williams, showing his ability to recognize and capitalize on mismatches. This level of accuracy and timing in the vertical passing game has made Milroe a serious deep-ball threat.
But while Milroe excels outside the numbers, his development as a passer inside the hash marks remains a work in progress. Improving his rhythm and accuracy in the intermediate game will be crucial for his continued growth and draft stock.
Still, his ability to make explosive plays on the outside sets him apart from many other quarterbacks in college football, and it’s a skill that will likely translate to the NFL.
A Dangerous Dual-Threat QB
Milroe’s running ability is what makes him particularly tough to defend. Like Hurts, Milroe has the vision, speed, and toughness to create problems for defenses when he takes off. Whether on designed runs or scrambles, he’s a dynamic force who can break off big gains. Hurts has dominated the NFL as a dual-threat quarterback, leading the league in rushing touchdowns since 2022, and Milroe has a similar upside.
Milroe’s acceleration in the open field is particularly eye-catching. During his breakout game against Wisconsin, he outran a future NFL safety to score a rushing touchdown, showing off his elite burst. If Milroe continues to develop his passing game, his dual-threat abilities could make him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country and a major weapon at the next level.
Mental Fortitude: Milroe’s Competitive Edge
One thing that set Jalen Hurts apart during his rise to NFL stardom was his mental toughness and unwavering confidence. Hurts never lost faith in himself, even after being benched, and that resilience has served him well in the NFL. For Milroe, scouts have noted a similar competitive drive and self-belief. Milroe has handled the ups and downs of his Alabama career with grace, learning from his struggles and coming out stronger.
This mental toughness will be key as he prepares for the next stage of his career. The NFL is a demanding environment, and quarterbacks who can handle adversity and stay focused on improvement often succeed. Milroe’s confidence and ability to rise to the occasion under pressure are promising signs for his future.
Can Milroe Be QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft?
As Jalen Milroe’s breakout season continues, his draft stock is rising rapidly. His rare combination of size, speed, and deep-ball accuracy makes him an intriguing prospect, and his mental toughness only adds to his appeal. Like Hurts, Milroe is still an unfinished product in some areas, but the tools he possesses are undeniable.
If Milroe refines his intermediate passing game and becomes more consistent, he could strongly position himself as the first quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. With each passing game, he’s showing more of what he can do — and scouts are paying close attention.
As the 2024 season progresses, Milroe has an opportunity to cement himself as one of the top quarterback prospects in the nation. If Milroe’s trajectory continues upward, expect him to follow in Jalen Hurts’ footsteps and possibly carve out his own legacy.
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