A Star was Born on September 2 and his Name is Jalen Milroe

Alabama quarterback (QB) Jalen Milroe began the post-Bryce Young era with not one…not two…but three long passes for touchdowns as No. 5 Alabama whooped up on No. 93 ranked Middle Tennessee (click here to watch the full game).

Yes, just like with USC QB Caleb Williams the past two weeks, we need to remain cognisant of the level of competition, but the 13-of-18 for 194 yards and three touchdowns through the air is not what has me most excited.

I’m excited by what I saw out of Milroe, and I’m way ahead of the draft platform curve on this one. Even as of today, Milroe is being projected by them as an undraftable free agent?

Say what?

I even screenshot it to prove it.

Rapid Development

I had to do a double take the first time I saw Milroe on game film, as he looked like the second coming of Browns’ QB Deshaun Watson (whom I love). I studied Milroe off 2022 game film when he filled in here and there for Young at the time. Undoubtedly, he was loaded with potential, but his footwork and timing left a lot to be desired. I walked away giving him a fifth-round grade.

Flash forward to Alabama’s spring game that I wrote about for Yardbarker (August 4). Suddenly, Milroe started showing improved footwork and overall throwing mechanics and he began completing more passes as a result.

I moved Milroe to my first-round watch list and I knew Alabama had their guy.

Crimson Tide Head Coach, Nick Saban played it close to the vest until sources started saying Friday Milroe would start against Middle Tennessee.

The television announcer made it sound like Alabama would take it slowly easing Milroe into this saying “There’s a package of five or six pass plays within these probably first 15 to 20 that Milroe has repped for weeks now that he feels really comfortable with, expect that ball to come out quickly.”

And it did.

What Milroe looked like on game film

Alabama’s coaches called a conservative passing game to begin with that was heavily supported by the running game against Middle Tennessee, not to put too much pressure on Milroe.

The first sign of stardom came at the 11:08 mark in the first quarter when what appeared to be a horrible snap turned into Milroe’s natural playmaking instincts kicking in when he athletically scooped it up and ran for a 21-yard touchdown. He added another 13-yard touchdown on the ground later in the second quarter.

But we all knew Milroe could run.

• 47-yard touchdown throw
• 48-yard touchdown throw
• 29-yard touchdown throw

Just like that, bam, bam, bam.

What impressed me even more than these three throws that were right on the money, was zero interceptions in the game and how comfortable Milroe looked from start until they sat him down when leading 42-0 deep into the third quarter. He clearly looked like a QB first and a runner, a distant second. On the first touchdown pass, he stood in there under pressure and took a shot right after releasing when he flexed from the turf.

There were inconsistencies in getting the ball out of his hand quickly and at times his throwing base was too narrow, which caused minor placement issues against Middle Tennessee.

Two passes were also disrupted.

Scouting conclusion

Next up, No. 11 ranked Texas on Sept. 9 and then a couple of other ranked opponents, No. 22 Mississippi on Sept. 23 and No. 23 Texas A&M on October 7.

That’s going to give us a really good idea of exactly where Milroe is at.

Undoubtedly, the two things Milroe will have to continue to work on are maintaining a wide enough base with his footwork and getting the ball out of his hand on time.

However, I’m very encouraged by his poise, overall ball placement, and ball security. I really like the dynamic and confident vibe he gives off. He’s also a hell of a lot better than anything I saw on game film from former Gators and Colts 2023 first-round pick (No 4) QB Anthony Richardson last season.

So, I’m doing it.

You heard it here first.

A star was born on September 2 and his name is Jalen Milroe.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock, contributes at Yardbarker, and has written for Sports Illustrated Lions, Jets, and 49ers, as well as a featured guest on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Radio. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.