Milroe's Declaration for the Draft

In a highly anticipated move, Jalen Milroe, the standout quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. The announcement was made via his Instagram account on Thursday, marking the end of his collegiate career and the beginning of a new chapter.

Milroe’s College Career Highlights

Over the last two seasons, Milroe has been a key figure for Alabama, playing under the esteemed coaching duo of Nick Saban and Kalen DeBoer. Despite facing numerous challenges, he has emerged as one of the top quarterback prospects heading into the 2025 Draft. With four seasons under his belt at Alabama, Milroe's option to return for another year was on the table, given he redshirted his freshman year. However, he has decided to take the leap into professional football.

2024 Season Performance

In the recent 2024 season, Milroe not only led the Crimson Tide to an impressive 9-3 record, but he also played a crucial role in Alabama's victory at the SEC Championship and their subsequent entry into the College Football Playoff. His performance was notable, completing 64.3% of his passes for 2,844 yards, throwing 16 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Milroe also showcased his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 726 yards and an astounding 20 rushing touchdowns, averaging 218.8 passing yards per game.

Defining Moments

One of the highlights of his 2024 season came in September during a crucial matchup against Georgia. In what will be remembered as a defining moment in his collegiate career, Milroe threw for 374 yards and two touchdown passes while also rushing for 117 yards and two more touchdowns, leading Alabama to a thrilling victory.

Awards and Recognition

Though he ended his college career on a challenging note in the ReliaQuest Bowl, where he struggled with multiple turnovers, Milroe's accolades in 2024 include winning the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy. This award recognizes outstanding academic achievement, athletic talent, and leadership skills, further underscoring his impressive profile as he gears up for the draft.

Draft Projections

According to ESPN’s NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., Milroe is currently ranked as the third-best quarterback prospect for the upcoming draft, trailing only Shedeur Sanders of Colorado and Cam Ward of Miami. As the draft approaches, there is potential for Milroe's stock to rise, especially with his performance at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine, scheduled for late February in Indianapolis.

Looking Ahead to the NFL Draft

Mark your calendars! The 2025 NFL Draft will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with the first round kicking off on Thursday, April 24, followed by the subsequent rounds over the weekend. With Milroe making his transition to the NFL, fans and scouts alike will be eager to see where he lands and how he translates his college success to the professional level. Will he be the next big star in the NFL? Only time will tell!