Jalen Milroe isn’t just climbing draft boards—he’s breaking through ceilings. Once overlooked, now impossible to ignore, the Alabama QB is turning heads at just the right time. From being floated as a backup option for Justin Fields to potentially hearing his name in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Milroe’s journey is becoming one of the most compelling storylines in this year’s class. And just recently, an NFL assistant GM made a bold call that could shift the narrative completely.

“I’m cool with being underrated,” Milroe said not too long ago. But being underrated at Alabama—arguably the most scrutinized program in college football—takes on a whole new meaning. The SEC is no cupcake conference. And even with a mixed bag of a season filled with highs, some interceptions, and flashes of greatness, Milroe showed he could handle pressure. He rushed for over 700 yards and punched in 20 rushing touchdowns—numbers that scream dual-threat.

Still, many draft projections didn’t give him the love. Names like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward dominated first-round mocks, while Milroe was left hanging in the mid-rounds. That narrative? It’s changing fast.

It all started shifting at Alabama’s Pro Day. NFL scouts from all 32 teams were in attendance, and Milroe didn’t just show up—he showed out. He clocked a blazing 4.37 secs (unofficial) in the 40-yard dash. His arm strength? Rocket-launcher type. And his improved accuracy during scripted passing drills? A welcome surprise for scouts who had previously doubted his consistency. Even ESPN draft expert Matt Miller had to give him his flowers. “His draft range is still pretty wide—I had him in Round 3 in my latest mock—but he made a statement at his Pro Day,” Miller wrote. Later, he added, “When I think about strong Pro Day workouts this year, Jalen Milroe comes to mind.” With that kind of momentum, Milroe’s draft stock is no longer just trending—it’s surging.

In a March 31st post, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz shared a conversation with an unnamed assistant GM who gave Milroe the kind of praise that turns heads in war rooms.

“He’s one of the most intriguing guys in the entire draft. There’s a narrative that he’s just a running quarterback, but that’s way off… His deep ball can be a major weapon at the next level. I’ve watched him a lot — he’s very capable in the pocket and carves up zone defenses well. There’s a lot to work with, and I like the kid.”

That’s not lip service. That’s belief. From “underrated” to “one of the most intriguing,” Milroe is reshaping his story—and fast. Now, he’s not just in the conversation. He is the conversation.

Pro Football Network recently mocked him as the No. 1 overall pick. Yes, number one. Meanwhile, Draft Wire has him linked to the Steelers at pick 25. But here’s where things get real: Colin Cowherd dropped a juicy nugget on The Herd. “I’m told the Steelers really like Jalen Milroe,” Cowherd revealed. That’s not just smoke—that’s potential fire.

Milroe even had dinner with Steelers GM Omar Khan, head coach Mike Tomlin, and QB coach Tom Arth the night before Bama’s Pro Day. That’s a serious signal. Add in his upside and unique athleticism, and it’s no wonder Pittsburgh is doing its homework. While Steelers former QB Justin Fields made the switch to the Jets, the storyline shifted right along with him. Back in New York, the other piece of this quarterback puzzle is finding its place.

New Justin Fields update: where is Jalen Milroe’s next chapter?

On March 10, Justin Fields officially signed a two-year, $40 million deal with the Jets, locking in $30 million guaranteed. That’s starter money. But the official endorsement didn’t come until March 30, when new GM Darren Mougey finally confirmed it to the media: “We believe Justin is the starter. We believe in Justin. And we believe we can win with Justin, so we’re excited about Justin.”

Fields’ journey has been far from linear. After a bumpy ride in Chicago, he briefly landed in Pittsburgh, and now he’s the face of Gang Green. Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn are betting big on his upside, but they’re not naïve. They know depth is crucial. Tyrod Taylor, now 35, provides veteran insurance, and young passers like Jordan Travis and Adrian Martinez round out the room. But New York may still look for a quarterback in the draft—just not at No. 7 overall.

Milroe once thought to be a perfect backup for Fields due to their similar play styles, now seems destined for a different path. With the Jets officially all-in on Fields, the Milroe-to-New York chatter has died down. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing—it opens the door for Milroe to walk into a team that’s ready to hand him the reins.

Which brings us back to the Steelers…..

Pittsburgh is in quarterback limbo. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields have moved on. They’re in the market not just for a QB but for the guy. Cowherd put it plainly: “Milroe is the most athletically gifted guy to come out of this draft at that position since Lamar Jackson. They need special at quarterback.” That’s high praise—and potentially prophetic.

Look at the numbers again: 2,844 passing yards and 16 passing touchdowns in 2024. Add that to 700+ rushing yards and 20 rushing TDs, and you’ve got a stat line that screams “franchise quarterback material.” He’s raw, yes. But he’s also electric. And the right system—say, one like Mike Tomlin’s—could polish that potential into something special. So, where does that leave us?

From being cast as a backup in New York to rising as a potential first-rounder—and maybe even Pittsburgh’s future franchise quarterback—Jalen Milroe’s NFL path is taking a sharp turn. The assistant GM’s bold words only reinforce what we’re seeing unfold: Milroe isn’t just a sleeper anymore. He’s the dark horse. The wild card. And possibly, the next big thing.

Underrated? Sure, he was. But now, he is just unavoidable.