By Ross Jackson
A polarizing prospect, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is picking up steam late in the draft process.
The New Orleans Saints have been diligently doing their homework on this class of signal callers, with the former Crimson Tide leader included. While there’s development ahead, his upside and playmaking ability make him a strong option for any team seeking a potential quarterback of the future.
New Orleans was among teams this offseason to get an extra look at Milroe during what was described as an “impressive” workout. They also got a chance to see his work at this year’s Senior Bowl. The Saints are clearly in the quarterback market, but the options on the table are plentiful for how they may choose to attack it, if at all.
If the Saints do decide to roll the dice on Milroe, the risk/reward could be just as steep a fall as it could be rewarding a climb.
Milroe’s fit with the Saints
The 6-foot-1, 217 pounder is a true dual-threat. While he still has room to grow as a passer, especially in the short and intermediate game, he’s an explosive runner with a high floor as a ball carrier.
He would without a doubt need time with the Saints’ coaching staff in order to achieve that development in the background before ever being leaned upon as a starter. But with several quarterbacks leading his growth (head coach Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, and quarterbacks coach Scott Tolzien are all former NFL passers), that may not be as tall a task as it once was in New Orleans.
Milroe’s 2024 Passer Rating by Depth of Throw (per Pro Football Focus)
- Deep (20+ yards): 104.2
- Intermediate (10-19 yards): 88.7
- Short (0-9 yards): 88.9
- Backfield: 89.9
What makes Milroe a good prospect
The playmaking ability is undeniable. Milroe’s ability to navigate a pocket and use his elite speed, quickness, and elusiveness to create secondary passing opportunities or impactful scrambles is exactly something the modern-day NFL quarterback needs. When he’s on as a passer, things have been promising for him through the air. He’ll just need to have the coaching around him to turn those moments from flashes to more consistent play
He needs work as a passer, but the moment Jalen Milroe is drafted, he becomes one of the most dynamic and explosive runners at QB pic.twitter.com/BcDFfB5Ns1
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) March 29, 2025
He has the arm strength and ball velocity that NFL teams covet and can take hits with his build. His physical play style in the pocket has also granted him the “unflinching” tag when discussed as a passer under pressure. Ten of his 16 touchdown passes in 2024 came on downfield throws of 20 or more air yards, showing consistency when attacking deep. That skill set paired with wideouts like Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks (assuming the trio is together in 2026) could be enticing.
2025 Athletics Testing Results
- 40-yard-dash: 4.40 seconds
- RAS: N/A
2025 NFL Draft Projection
Initially considered a second-round investment, much like Hurts, there have been some recent indications that first-round potential is there for Milroe. He accepted an invitation to attend the NFL Draft, which has become an increasingly selective process as networks try not lessen the disappointing moments of a player falling out of the first round being caught on camera. His range could go anywhere from No. 3 overall to the New York Giants (who have shocked with early quarterback selections before) to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 21 overall to falling out of the first round entirely.
If New Orleans were to invest in Milroe, No. 40 or a trade up in the second round before other quarterback-needy teams get a second swing at a passer would make sense.
