Despite inking Justin Fields to a two-year contract in free agency, the New York Jets could certainly still select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL draft.
Perhaps they will take one who has a similar skill set to Fields.
According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, “key members” of the Jets’ offensive coaching staff met with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe at his pro day last month.
It is not the first time New York has been linked to Milroe throughout the draft process. At the combine, Jets quarterbacks coach Charles London was seen putting Milroe through an individual workout off to the side.
Milroe, 22, spent his college career at Alabama. In 2023, he stepped into the spotlight as the Crimson Tide’s starting quarterback after backing up Bryce Young for two seasons.
In his first season as the full-time starter, Milroe showcased his dynamic skill set. He threw for 2,834 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions while completing 65.8% of his passes. The Texas native was even more electric on the ground, rushing for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns on 161 carries.
During the 2024 season, Milroe took a step back as a passer, completing 64.3% of his pass attempts for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. However, he exploded on the ground, leaping to 726 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns on 168 carries.
One of the most athletic signal-callers in this year’s draft, the 22-year-old arguably boasts the highest upside among quarterbacks in the class.
At Alabama’s pro day, Milroe ran a blazing 4.40-second 40-yard dash, tied for the third-fastest ever recorded by a quarterback during NFL testing. Only Michael Vick (4.33) and Lamar Jackson (4.34) have been faster.
Despite his freak athleticism, the Alabama product remains unpolished as a passer.
His accuracy and decision-making continue to be areas of concern. In 2024, Milroe’s 11 interceptions tied for the fourth-most in the SEC despite finishing only seventh in pass attempts. His adjusted completion percentage of 72.6% ranked 53rd among 128 qualified FBS quarterbacks.
Ranked No. 45 overall on Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board, Milroe could be an intriguing developmental option for the Jets. With the opportunity to sit behind Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, he wouldn’t be forced into a starting role immediately, giving him time to refine his game and reach his high ceiling.
