The New York Jets approach the 2025 NFL Draft with significant uncertainty at the quarterback position. Currently, their roster includes veteran Tyrod Taylor and 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields. While Taylor—who arguably should have seen action early in 2024 before Aaron Rodgers found his rhythm—is a solid backup, he isn’t suited for taking meaningful snaps during a rebuilding year. On the other hand, Fields has struggled in games where he’s required to throw more than 25 times, holding a 6-14 record in such situations, raising concerns about his ability to adapt when the game plan falters. With the draft approaching, the Jets have been linked to another quarterback—Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. Should they pursue him, or is it best to look elsewhere?
Should the Jets say no to Jalen Milroe?
At the NFL Combine, Jets quarterbacks coach Charles London was seen working closely with Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. While other quarterbacks participated in standard testing, Milroe was reportedly going through drills under London’s guidance. However, there has been little clarity on the specifics of those drills. What is clear, though, is that the Jets have shown interest in the Alabama prospect. But should they consider him as a potential target?
One of Milroe’s biggest weaknesses is an issue that also plagues Justin Fields—his inability to process the game at an NFL level. While his college tape provides insight into his struggles, his performance at the Senior Bowl was particularly telling.
For those unfamiliar, the Senior Bowl features intentionally simplified offensive and defensive play calls to help players showcase their skills in front of scouts and executives. The goal is not to challenge them with complex schemes but to allow them to perform at their best. Despite this, Milroe struggled to read the field on three separate plays, all of which would have resulted in sacks. Notably, he was the only quarterback at the event who had such difficulties in practice. Here are two examples of those misreads:
https://x.com/ThomasCP_NFL/status/1884318083629924558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1884318083629924558%7Ctwgr%5Ea5ae2705dbe00014bbb42e90d453efaf4f04c71a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ganggreennation.com%2F2025%2F3%2F16%2F24381336%2Fnew-york-jets-say-no-to-jalen-milroe-justin-fields
The third play in question was even more concerning. In a real game scenario, Milroe would have been sacked, yet he still forced a late throw that resulted in an interception—despite his intended target being open earlier in the play. His delayed processing was so problematic that, at one point, coaches reportedly stopped calling passing plays while he was under center.
But it didn’t stop there.
Milroe also stood out for another troubling reason—on one rep, he was the only quarterback (and the only player overall) to completely forget the play call. This kind of mistake is unacceptable, especially in a controlled environment like the Senior Bowl, where players are expected to put their best foot forward.
A poor showing at the Senior Bowl doesn’t necessarily define a prospect’s future. In fact, Milroe’s Alabama film features plenty of impressive highlights that showcase his raw talent. However, that same film also reveals why the Jets should think twice before targeting him.
Milroe is the definition of a boom-or-bust player. While he accounted for just 16 passing touchdowns against 11 interceptions, he made up for it with 20 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his dynamic playmaking ability. That said, his efficiency as a passer took a noticeable dip. His EPA per dropback—a key advanced metric—declined significantly, ranking just 36th in the country. Additionally, his 6.76 yards per dropback placed him 54th nationally, highlighting concerns about his consistency in the passing game.
Ultimately, the tape paints a picture of a quarterback who struggles to process the game as it unfolds—something that should raise serious red flags for the Jets.
This isn’t something new, either. This has been on Milroe’s film for a long time. He’s an athletic player, but that can only get you so far, especially in the NFL.
https://x.com/MichaelWBratton/status/1705680091622109405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1705680091622109405%7Ctwgr%5Ea5ae2705dbe00014bbb42e90d453efaf4f04c71a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ganggreennation.com%2F2025%2F3%2F16%2F24381336%2Fnew-york-jets-say-no-to-jalen-milroe-justin-fields
Right now, Milroe is projected as a Day 2 pick. Personally, I’m not convinced he’s worth that selection. However, there’s a legitimate reason why the Jets might still take a chance on him.
