All eyes are on former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe as he showcases his talents at the Senior Bowl. His performance is under intense scrutiny ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. With draft projections ranging from a potential No. 2 pick to falling outside the first round, the upcoming months are crucial for Milroe, especially after a mixed final season in Tuscaloosa.
One team that has an inside track on Milroe’s capabilities is the Cleveland Browns, who recently promoted Tommy Rees to offensive coordinator. Rees, who previously served as Alabama’s offensive coordinator during Nick Saban’s final season, has a deep understanding of Milroe’s strengths and weaknesses. Despite facing criticism from Alabama fans, Rees managed to bring out the best in Milroe, particularly during the latter part of the 2023 season. Under Rees’ guidance, Milroe finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting and led Alabama to an SEC Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
In 2024, Milroe’s role shifted under head coach Kalen DeBoer. While he became a more prolific runner, his passing statistics declined:
- 2023: 65.8 CMP%, 10.0 YPA, 23 TDs, 6 INTs, 172.2 RTG
- 2024: 64.3 CMP%, 8.9 YPA, 16 TDs, 11 INTs, 148.8 RTG
Milroe’s overall performance dropped, with increased turnovers and fewer explosive plays compared to the previous year. The question remains: what level of performance could Milroe have achieved with another year under Rees’ consistent coaching?
As Milroe prepares for the draft, his ability to adapt and prove his potential will be under the spotlight, making the upcoming pre-draft process vital for his professional future.
