He’s solidified himself as the cream of the crop as the top dual-threat passer ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Milroe’s production last year captivated folks with gaudy numbers and a freakish athletic profile. Scouts and analysts have been clamoring and are following him closely.
Over the course of last season, Milroe appeared in 13 games with 2,844 passing yards. In defense of Graham, he scored 16 touchdowns but notched 11 interceptions. What’s more, as game film has clearly revealed, he’s exhibited an incredible knack for carrying the football. He rushed for 726 yards, finding the end zone an impressive 20 times. Milroe is pretty great, his Total Quarterback Rating (QBR) of 78.4 ranks him 14th in the country. As a result, this stellar performance ranks him 16th amongst all quarterbacks in the nation. His interception rate is a puny 3.4%. This last statistic is concerning, especially as it ranks him 105th out of 124 qualifying passers and illustrates his lack of polish as a passer.
Athletic Profile and Performance
1) Physical tools Beyond physicality, Milroe’s natural athleticism and playing style are an unarguable asset. Williams has already made special teams a selling point, clearly demonstrating elite speed at Alabama’s Pro Day with a 40-yard dash in the 4.4-second realm. His athleticism complements his dual-threat capabilities, making him a dynamic option for any NFL team looking to incorporate versatile quarterbacks into their offensive schemes.
One AFC area scout lauded Milroe’s growth the last two years as Alabama’s starting signal caller. The scout praised Milroe’s character, saying he was like Alabama great Jalen Hurts. This side-by-side might ring true with teams needing a role model both on and off the field.
“What scares me about Milroe is just the arm talent. It’s super inconsistent,” – a quarterbacks coach.
Yet even with his elite-level athleticism, there are major concerns about Milroe’s passing ability. Combined with his lack of consistency on throw placement, he’s been a lightning rod for both coaching staffs and scouts alike. Milroe’s impressive ability to throw at all levels of the field was one of the traits mentioned by the quarterbacks coach. At the same time, he said, Milroe still has big issues with easy passes — missing the short throws and making jumpy decisions when pressured.
Development and Future Prospects
As NFL teams evaluate Milroe, they need to weigh the rawness against his potential for growth. The scout was adamant that any team drafting him needs to have a wait-and-see plan. They have to be committed to truly making him a great passer. Such a development strategy might instead include designing a game plan that showcases Milroe’s speed, agility and elusiveness.
The Cleveland Browns provided an additional layer of Milroe’s connection with him in the form of first-year offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. Having worked closely with Milroe during the last season at Alabama, Rees can provide valuable insights into his capabilities and areas for improvement.
“Sometimes, he makes some wild throws and then sometimes, he’s missing 5-yard hitches, sailing them over the guy’s head…. The athleticism is off the charts, but you can only do so much,” – a quarterbacks coach.
Milroe’s progression pipeline might be the biggest factor in whether he develops into a potential eventual starter or sticks as a long-term project. His transcendent level of play at the collegiate level has set the bar ridiculously high. Now, it’s on the teams to find the right environment for him to thrive.
Comparison to NFL Peers
Milroe’s off-platform game has opened up comparisons to other accomplished dual-threat signal callers, most notably fellow Tide alum Jalen Hurts. The scout said Milroe could succeed by taking a development trajectory similar to the one the Baltimore Ravens took with Lamar Jackson. This change would have great positive impact on Milroe’s development.
“I’d do the same thing Baltimore did with Lamar [Jackson],” – the scout.
This would be a great way to both maximize what Milroe does best and help him overcome his passing inconsistencies. Creating a nurturing offensive system that plays to his strengths would likely help his game translate to the next level.
Most pundits consider Milroe a bit of a project player. Yet his physical talent and character likely are enough to keep him a popular potential pick among teams looking for that dual-threat QB. As the draft draws nearer, teams might consider their best options on the table, trying to figure out where Milroe aligns with their long-term vision.
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