QB Jalen Milroe accepts NFL Draft invitation fueling first-round speculation

The 2025 NFL Draft may not feature the same quarterback-heavy drama as last year's record-breaking class, but Alabama's Jalen Milroe is doing his part to add intrigue.

The dual-threat quarterback has officially accepted an invitation to attend the draft in person, a move typically reserved for players expected to hear their name called early on Day 1.

Jalen Milroe's NFL future up in the air

While Milroe isn't widely projected as a guaranteed first-round pick, his decision to be in the green room on opening night has sparked fresh speculation about how NFL teams really view him.

The league generally keeps its invitation list tight to avoid uncomfortable camera moments if players slide into Day 2, so Milroe's inclusion suggests at least some level of first-round interest behind the scenes.

Milroe's path to the draft has been unconventional.

After many expected him to return to Alabama for another year of development, he chose instead to declare early, betting on his athletic upside and flashes of brilliance as a college starter.

Over two seasons with the Crimson Tide, he posted a 21-6 record, throwing for 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns last season while adding 726 yards and 20 scores on the ground.

However, his final stretch in college was rocky.

Across Alabama's last three games, Milroe threw five interceptions, totaled nine turnovers, and completed fewer than 55% of his es.

Defenses that forced him to win with his arm found success, and concerns linger about his accuracy and decision-making at the next level.

Still, teams are doing their homework.

According to reports, Milroe has had private workouts with the Saints and Browns, and has met with the Jets and Steelers in recent weeks.

While more polished prospects like Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jaxson Dart are expected to go earlier, Milroe's raw athleticism and dual-threat potential may prove too tempting for a quarterback-needy franchise.

Whether his name is called Thursday night or later in the weekend Jalen Milroe is betting on himself again, and the NFL is watching.