TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 04: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after their 42-28 win over the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Future: Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

November 25, 2023 | William Yanish | Articles

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First Round Mock’s William Yanish goes BIG on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe.

AUBURN, ALABAMA – NOVEMBER 25: Jalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up prior to the game against Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on November 25, 2023 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

After former Alabama quarterback (QB) and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young was taken No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers, it was unclear as to who the next starter would be in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Overnight, Alabama’s vacant field general role became one of the most coveted positions in the nation.

Notre Dame transfer QB Tyler Buchner, freshman QB Ty Simpson, and Young’s 2022 backup, Jalen Milroe, were all loading up to take their best shots.

A week one tuneup versus Middle Tennessee was absolutely not a game anyone would have been concerned about. Even with the relatively unknown Milroe at the helm, the Crimson Tide won the game 56-7.

Next.

Blessing in disguise

Now week two versus No. 11 Texas was a whole different world.

By the time week two had come to a close, Milroe and Alabama had suffered a 34-24 defeat. He had earned himself a week riding the pine that gave Buchner his shot at the helm, with mixed results. When Milroe had laced his cleats back up for week four, he earned a tough, hard-fought victory over No. 15-ranked Ole Miss.

I feel the way that he handled the adversity to start the 2023 season was a clear sign of things to come.

The loss to Texas was a great gift for Milroe as strange as that may sound. It might have been Milroe’s most important lesson to date in his short career.

The Yanish Report

Solid, well-built, athletic body. Rhythmical footwork. Explosive speed and acceleration. RAW. Patient, gifted runner. Dangerous and deceptive on his feet. QB draws, designed runs, and run-pass option (RPO) are superior to most NFL QBs right now. QB first. Day-one at the next level, he will automatically be one of the most dominant and dynamic athletes at the position. The ball needs to come out quicker. Throwing motion needs to be honed to benefit accuracy. Does not see the field well at times. Needs to live to fight another down. Takes too many hits and sacks. Fiery, imposing team leader. Methodical.

For the win

Throughout the 2023 season, his growth and development have been absolutely phenomenal to watch. It would certainly be in his best interest to remain at Alabama for the 2024 season. He is on pace to be one of the best QBs in the nation next year.

Milroe may not be Heisman Trophy material at this point (sixth-best odds), but he can definitely bring a National Championship back to Alabama.

The sky is the limit for Milroe. He is the kind of player that can have immediate success in the NFL.

My BIG three questions

1. Can he continue Alabama’s recent excellence at the QB position?

2. Will he be able to sustain the growth precedent that he set in motion for himself?

3. Will Milroe stay in Alabama if Nick Saban retires (even though he has refuted those rumors)?

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: First-Round

2022 Game Film Evidence (No.4)

2023 (No. 4)

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.