NFL Scout Says Alabama's Jalen Milroe Can Develop Into Jalen Hurts-Caliber Starter

When evaluating Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, the obvious pro comparison is Jalen Hurts, a former starter for the Crimson Tide. The two have similar builds and playing styles, are both from the Houston area and both have led Alabama to the College Football Playoff, among other shared characteristics.

"If he keeps winning and getting better, he'll keep rising," an AFC area scout told The Athletic's Dane Brugler regarding Milroe. "He needs to keep working on some things. But watch Hurts on Sundays—why can't Milroe do that?"

Thus far in 2024, Milroe has thrown for 590 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions, completing 67.3 percent of his passes while taking five sacks. He's also rushed for 156 yards and six touchdowns, the sort of numbers that—if sustained—will have him firmly in the Heisman Trophy conversation.

Granted, that production has come against Western Kentucky, USF and Wisconsin. The real test will come once the Crimson Tide enter the meat of their SEC schedule, with the first enormous test this Saturday against Georgia. Difficult matchups against Tennessee, Missouri, LSU, Oklahoma and Auburn also loom.

But if Milroe can get through that gauntlet with flying colors, he'll have the NFL on notice, and very well could be the first quarterback off the board in the 2025 draft. At the very least, he looks like a potential first-round prospect.