In the ever-intensifying pre-draft whirlwind, where even the subtlest of moves can set off shockwaves of speculation, former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe just made a headline-grabbing decision that could speak volumes about his draft stock—and his confidence.
Milroe, the electrifying dual-threat quarterback who captivated college football audiences with his explosive plays and resilience in 2023, has officially accepted an invitation to attend the 2025 NFL Draft in person. It’s a move typically reserved for high-profile prospects with a strong chance of hearing their name called in the first round—or, at the very least, early on Day 2.
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For Milroe, this decision isn’t just a fashion statement for the red carpet or a publicity move. It might be the clearest sign yet that NFL teams are higher on him than previously thought—and that the young quarterback sees himself as more than just a developmental pick.
From Benched to Beloved: Milroe’s Unlikely Ascent
To fully appreciate the weight of Milroe’s draft invitation acceptance, one must revisit the roller-coaster journey he took through Tuscaloosa. Just last September, Milroe found himself benched after a shaky start to Alabama’s season. There were real questions about whether he was capable of leading a Crimson Tide team with national title aspirations. But rather than sulk or transfer, Milroe leaned in.
He returned to the starting role with a vengeance, engineering a crucial win over Ole Miss and going on to deliver perhaps the most memorable play of the 2023 college football season: his 31-yard scramble touchdown on 4th-and-31 to defeat Auburn in the Iron Bowl, forever immortalized as “The Milroe Miracle.”
Milroe finished the year with over 2,800 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions—adding 600 yards and 12 scores on the ground. He led Alabama to an SEC Championship victory over Georgia and a CFP appearance. While the Crimson Tide fell short in the semifinals against Michigan, Milroe’s stock was already on the rise.
What the Draft Invite Really Means
For casual fans, the NFL Draft green room might just seem like a fancy backdrop for camera shots of nervous young athletes. But for players and insiders, receiving and accepting an invitation to the draft is far more meaningful. Only a select number of players are asked to attend, based on strong intel from scouts, general managers, and decision-makers.
By accepting the invitation, Milroe and his team are signaling that they expect him to go off the board relatively early—and that he’s comfortable facing the pressure that comes with being center stage on national television. No quarterback wants to endure an “Aaron Rodgers slide” moment. Players only show up if they’re confident the phone will ring early.
This year’s quarterback class has been headlined by names like USC’s Caleb Williams, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy. Milroe has often been viewed a tier below those three, but his draft stock has quietly been gaining traction over the past two months.
According to multiple reports from senior bowl practices, team interviews, and private workouts, NFL personnel are increasingly intrigued by Milroe’s raw tools. His elite athleticism, deep-ball prowess, and strong frame (6’2″, 220 pounds) have drawn comparisons to players like Jalen Hurts and Anthony Richardson—both of whom entered the NFL with questions but quickly proved doubters wrong.