After accepting a significant NFL Draft invitation, former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe might have just tipped his hand.

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.

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.

The Quarterback Domino Effect

Milroe’s decision to attend the draft also invites deeper reflection on the quarterback-needy teams selecting in the top half of the first round. While Williams, Maye, and McCarthy are expected to go within the top 10, teams like the Raiders, Vikings, Broncos, and Saints could be eyeing Milroe as a Plan B—or even as their QB of the future depending on how the board shakes out.

Milroe’s presence in the draft green room suggests that at least one team in the late first or early second round may have given him a soft promise or strong indication that he’s in serious consideration. Don’t be surprised if a team trades back into the first round to grab him and lock in the fifth-year option that comes with a Round 1 selection.

He could also be a prime candidate for a team to groom behind a veteran. Imagine the Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking a chance on Milroe with the future in mind. He wouldn’t be under pressure to start immediately, but his upside could prove irresistible.

Questions That Remain

While Milroe’s physical talent is undeniable, not every NFL scout is sold yet. Some evaluators remain cautious about his inconsistent mechanics and tendency to leave clean pockets prematurely. Others note that while his deep ball is a weapon, his short-to-intermediate accuracy remains a work in progress.

Additionally, Alabama’s offensive scheme often masked some of Milroe’s limitations. His next-level success may hinge on his ability to refine his timing, improve his pre-snap reads, and adjust to the speed of the NFL game.

Still, the fact that he’s being invited—and that he accepted—means those concerns aren’t pushing teams away. Quite the opposite: franchises are intrigued enough to want to take that developmental risk, banking on Milroe’s unique blend of athleticism and leadership.

The Hurts Factor

One cannot ignore the parallel narrative of another former Alabama quarterback—Jalen Hurts. Like Milroe, Hurts faced adversity in Tuscaloosa, lost his starting job to Tua Tagovailoa, and transferred to Oklahoma to rebuild his draft stock. Today, Hurts is a Pro Bowl quarterback and the face of the Philadelphia Eagles franchise.

Milroe, who has publicly expressed admiration for Hurts, has followed a similar trajectory—facing doubt, overcoming adversity, and maturing into a team-first leader. It’s a story NFL teams love to invest in, especially with the league trending toward mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays and create outside of structure.

Milroe’s post-Iron Bowl interviews revealed a maturity that many scouts reportedly found impressive. He handled success and setbacks with the same poise, crediting teammates and coaches rather than seeking the spotlight. That kind of demeanor goes a long way in war rooms.

Draft Night Could Be a Defining Moment

If Jalen Milroe hears his name on Day 1, it will be the ultimate payoff to a journey defined by growth, patience, and perseverance. More importantly, it would prove that NFL teams are not just buying the highlights—they’re buying the intangibles too.

Draft night isn’t just about where a player is selected. It’s about the moment—the legacy—etched in memory forever. For Milroe, walking across that stage will be a signal to every young athlete who was ever doubted: bet on yourself, trust the process, and keep grinding.

And if he doesn’t go in the first round? His decision to accept the invite still reflects a fearless confidence. Milroe isn’t hiding from the spotlight—he’s embracing it. That kind of mindset could help him thrive in any NFL environment.

A Calculated Gamble That Might Just Pay Off

Some will call Milroe’s draft appearance a risk. Others will see it as a statement. Regardless of how the chips fall, one thing is now clear: Milroe believes he belongs.

Whether he’s taken 28th by the Buccaneers, 34th by the Patriots, or 45th by the Raiders, Milroe’s presence at the draft will make him one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in this year’s class. The moment he dons that NFL cap will be a full-circle realization of a journey that began in Houston, was sharpened in Tuscaloosa, and now prepares to reach new heights on Sundays.

He’s not just attending the NFL Draft—he’s walking into a new chapter. And based on what we’ve seen from Jalen Milroe, he’s ready to write his own story.