Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe stands out in the 2025 NFL Draft class due to his incredible athleticism and exciting potential. At 22 years old, Milroe has a lot of raw talent but lacks polish, making him a high-risk, high-reward option for teams like the New York Giants, who are looking to rebuild their quarterback position.
Milroe’s Dual-Threat Ability
Milroe is a dominant force on the ground, finishing the 2024 season with 879 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging nearly six yards per carry. His ability to break down defenses with his running game is unmatched among this year’s quarterback prospects, and his athleticism adds a new dimension to the position.
While other top quarterbacks like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders may be more refined as passers, Milroe’s combination of speed and strength as a rusher makes him a compelling asset for offensive coordinators. However, his passing game still needs improvement.
Milroe completed 63.3% of his passes for 2,834 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, which shows potential but lacks consistency. His mechanics need work, as he often relies too much on his arm rather than using his lower body for more power and accuracy, limiting his ability to make precise throws.
The Upside and Risks
Milroe is an intriguing talent, but his development will require careful attention. NFL teams would need to create a system that leverages his strengths rather than forcing him into a traditional quarterback role. His rushing ability makes him a threat in read-option plays and designed quarterback runs, but his inconsistency as a passer means he would need time to develop before becoming a full-time starter.
For the Giants, this could present a challenge. They need stability at quarterback in 2025, and Milroe’s tendency to take off running when the pocket collapses—rather than keeping his eyes downfield to extend plays—is a concern. His 11 interceptions in 2024 highlight his decision-making issues, as he often forces throws into tight spots instead of following his progressions.
Milroe has declared for the NFL Draft, but staying another year in college—perhaps on a pass-heavy team—could have helped him refine his mechanics and improve his ability to read defenses. With only 187 completions in 2023 and a career-high completion rate of 65.6%, Milroe has yet to reach the level of polish most NFL teams expect from a starting quarterback.
The Giants’ Dilemma
For the Giants, targeting Milroe would be a risk. He’s not a quarterback who could immediately stabilize the franchise, but his physical potential is undeniable. With the right coaching, he could develop into a dynamic NFL player. The Giants would need to pair him with a veteran quarterback, like Justin Fields or Russell Wilson, to provide support while Milroe develops.
Ultimately, selecting Milroe would show that the Giants are prioritizing long-term potential over short-term results. Given their current roster and need for consistency at quarterback, this could be a gamble they’re not prepared to take. Milroe’s success depends on finding the right situation, and New York may not have the stability needed to help him thrive.
