MARLER: Milroe skipping 40-yard dash raises questions

By Chris Marler

Whoever is advising Jalen Milroe should be fired.

A Positive Start at the Combine

Jalen Milroe announced last week that he would be a full participant in the NFL Scouting Combine workouts in Indianapolis. He showed up with giant hands and a new attitude. For those that don’t know, Milroe’s hand size increased from 8 ¾ inches at the Senior Bowl to 9 ⅜ inches at the Combine. That feels like a positive start for a quarterback who desperately needs some positive publicity and momentum going into the draft.

Jalen Milroe’s hands have grown by half an inch since he was in Mobile last month 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0BnahBkXYd

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) March 1, 2025

Milroe Doesn’t Run the 40-Yard Dash

However, as the quarterbacks took to the field for on-field drills, Officials announced that only two quarterbacks would run the forty yard dash: Brady Cook of Missouri and Seth Henigan from Memphis. If you’re keeping score at home, neither one of those names is Jalen Milroe.

Someone has some explaining to do.

Concerns About Milroe’s Passing Ability

It’s no secret that Jalen Milroe has left a lot to be desired as a quarterback in the passing game. His regression over the last two months of the season became painfully obvious. His decision making skills, accuracy, and (in)ability to read a defense were the focus of a lot of ire from fans and concern for NFL scouts. Not to mention that Milroe also had 10 turnovers in his last three games.

A Missed Opportunity to Boost His Draft Stock

However, what could have improved his draft stock the most wasn’t a great day throwing against air. Running an eye-popping time in the 40-yard dash could have done more for his draft stock.

Make it make sense.

Milroe has been the fastest player on Alabama’s roster since he stepped on campus. That’s saying something when guys like Isaiah Bond and Jahmyr Gibbs were on those same rosters. What reason did Milroe have to avoid running the 40, especially on a day where the top two players at his position were sitting out all of the individual drills?

A Questionable Decision by His Advisors

Whoever advised Milroe to not go on national television in front of every NFL team in the league and not – checks notes – do the thing he does best, should be fired. Honestly, teams should fire them, rehire them after he runs the 4.3, and fire them again.

Someone needs to explain to me, the general public, NFL executives, and most importantly Jalen Milroe why you wouldn’t have put that on display.

What If He Had Run?

Speculating on the outcome of his 40-yard dash remains purely hypothetical. Any time he ran likely wouldn’t have propelled him back into the top 10 picks. That seems like an alternate reality at this point considering what the perception of him as a prospect is now.

What’s Next for Milroe?

Regardless, whoever is in charge of advising him has one job to do from now until his Pro Day on March 19, get him to run.