Where Does Jalen Milroe Stand In NFL Draft QB Conversation?

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe put forth an absolutely legendary performance in Saturday's instant classic 41-34 victory over the Georgia Bulldogs. Milroe completed 27-of-33 passing attempts for 374 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The dual-threat scrambler also rushed for 117 yards and two additional scores via 16 rushing attempts. He's beginning to establish himself as a top-three overall quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

This quarterback class is beginning to shape up quite well. In a development that was expected by few during the preseason, Milroe and Cam Ward have arguably been the best quarterbacks in the nation. Both Milroe and Ward have established themselves on the Heisman shortlist.

The one quarterback prospect that has met preseason expectations is Colorado's Shedeur Sanders. Sanders continues to be the most accurate deep-ball thrower while consistently showcasing off-script ability behind an offensive line that can't protect him. The likes of Ward and Milroe are rivaling him for the QB1 title.

The quarterback hopefuls that are trying to complicate this conversation are Texas' Quinn Ewers and Georgia's Carson Beck. A senior, Ewers has missed two consecutive games with injury and Arch Manning has shined in his absence. His injury history is beginning to be a lengthy one that will impact his pre-draft evaluation.

Beck began Saturday's showcase game versus Alabama in poor form. Beck eventually caught fire, completing 27-of-50 passes for 439 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. He appeared a step below Milroe as a prospect and NFL scouts took notice.

Milroe is among the most improved quarterbacks in the entire country. First-year Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer has installed a QB-friendly offense that Milroe has completely mastered. It's worth noting DeBoer did something similar for Michael Penix Jr. at Washington, who went from mid-round prospect to No. 8 overall under his tutelage.

On Saturday, Milroe displayed natural traits that scream future NFL success. His ability to manipulate the pocket with elusiveness and athleticism gives him instant starter potential. On this rep, Milroe escapes a surefire sack and turns a pressure into a sizable gain with his legs.

Milroe’s ability to throw with accuracy and anticipation has improved compared to last season. This is an excellent play design by DeBoer that gives running back Jam Miller a pre-snap advantage. The Georgia defender struggles to carry Miller up the sideline, who catches a pitch-perfect touchdown from Milroe.

Milroe's speed to win the corner is legitimately threatening. Milroe outpaced several Bulldogs defenders up the sideline on a keeper that resulted in an explosive 36-yard touchdown. The ability to create offense with his legs will have NFL teams believing he has franchise quarterback potential.

After Georgia mounted an incredible comeback that saw the Bulldogs take a 34-33 lead with 2:31 remaining, Milroe enjoyed his biggest moment of the contest. Milroe threw an accurate deep ball up the right sideline to Ryan Williams. Williams made an incredible leaping catch and streaked into the end zone for the game-winning score after eluding two defenders.

Saturday's victory over Georgia was a resume-defining game for Milroe. No stage is too big for his rare playmaking ability and athleticism. Milroe has firmly entered the top-10 overall NFL draft conversation as a top-three quarterback prospect.