NYT’s take on those declaring for the draft:
Booker’s decision means that Alabama’s most dependable offensive lineman has departed, but there’s experience at guard. Rising seniors Jaeden Roberts and Geno VanDeMark are projected returners, and Alabama added senior guard Kam Dewberry from Texas A&M via the transfer portal.
As it stands now, inside linebacker is in a pretty healthy position for the Crimson Tide. Alabama signed Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, an All-Big 12 selection, from the transfer portal, and expects senior Justin Jefferson back in 2025 after the recent ruling that allows extra eligibility for former junior college players. Junior Deontae Lawson, a starter who suffered a season-ending injury, has yet to make his NFL decision. — Kennington Smith III, Alabama beat writer
How does Milroe rate as a draft prospect?
Now this one is interesting.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Milroe might be the most physically gifted quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His burst, explosion and speed give him the potential to be a souped-up version of Jalen Hurts. Milroe’s impact on an NFL run game, when ready, could be as big or bigger than what we’ve seen from Jayden Daniels.
However, and this is big: Milroe simply is not ready to run an NFL offense right now. With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders (and maybe even with Penn State’s Drew Allar), you can squint and see a scenario in which it works out OK for them as starters next year, if need be. You can’t reasonably do that today with Milroe.
Another year in college would’ve helped him. Same time, there are at least three QB-desperate NFL teams with what should be top-10 picks.
Every QB in this class needs time. Milroe might need the most. His footwork is bad, he’s not an accurate passer by any measurement, and his confidence as a processor — as we saw vs. Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl — is low. Milroe absolutely has first-round talent, but he’s a complete wild card right now. Teams interested in him not only have to do all of their homework, but also make sure they have a long-term plan that doesn’t involve immediately starting him. — Nick Baumgardner, NFL Draft writer
Dane Brugler’s scouting report
Milroe might be the most fascinating evaluation in the 2025 draft. Some will immediately dismiss him as a legitimate quarterback prospect because of his inconsistencies as a passer — and I get it. His lack of precision and timing were major issues at times this season, most notably in Alabama’s losses.
But he is also one of the best pure athletes in this draft class. His on-field GPS numbers reflect a 4.3 40, which is even more impressive considering his size. Milroe has high-level arm strength with plenty of impressive throws on his tape, and NFL scouts speak highly about his intelligence and makeup.
The NFL is a traits league, and Milroe has a rare package of skills that several teams will be willing to bet on somewhere in the top-50 picks.
What do the departures mean for Alabama?
The draft decisions were expected but leave holes at premier positions on Alabama’s 2025 team.
At quarterback, it will be a three-man race between rising junior Ty Simpson, rising sophomore Austin Mack and incoming freshman Keelon Russell, a unanimous five-star recruit. Simpson, a two-year backup to Milroe, enters the offseason as the early favorite.
Booker’s decision means that Alabama’s most dependable offensive lineman has departed, but there’s experience at guard. Rising seniors Jaeden Roberts and Geno VanDeMark are projected returners, and Alabama added senior guard Kam Dewberry from Texas A&M via the transfer portal.
As it stands now, inside linebacker is in a pretty healthy position for the Crimson Tide. Alabama signed Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, an All-Big 12 selection, from the transfer portal, and expects senior Justin Jefferson back in 2025 after the recent ruling that allows extra eligibility for former junior college players. Junior Deontae Lawson, a starter who suffered a season-ending injury, has yet to make his NFL decision. — Kennington Smith III, Alabama beat writer
Another year in college would’ve helped him. Same time, there are at least three QB-desperate NFL teams with what should be top-10 picks.
Every QB in this class needs time. Milroe might need the most. His footwork is bad, he’s not an accurate passer by any measurement, and his confidence as a processor — as we saw vs. Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl — is low. Milroe absolutely has first-round talent, but he’s a complete wild card right now. Teams interested in him not only have to do all of their homework, but also make sure they have a long-term plan that doesn’t involve immediately starting him. — Nick Baumgardner, NFL Draft writer
Dane Brugler’s scouting report
Milroe might be the most fascinating evaluation in the 2025 draft. Some will immediately dismiss him as a legitimate quarterback prospect because of his inconsistencies as a passer — and I get it. His lack of precision and timing were major issues at times this season, most notably in Alabama’s losses.
But he is also one of the best pure athletes in this draft class. His on-field GPS numbers reflect a 4.3 40, which is even more impressive considering his size. Milroe has high-level arm strength with plenty of impressive throws on his tape, and NFL scouts speak highly about his intelligence and makeup.
The NFL is a traits league, and Milroe has a rare package of skills that several teams will be willing to bet on somewhere in the top-50 picks.
