The NFL draft buzz turns into a real QB carousel every year. Last year we saw a record-tying 6 quarterbacks go in the first round, but this year might be a different story with possibly only three signal-callers on Day 1. For sure, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders are holding steady as potential first-rounders. But will anyone else join them? One name that’s been on a rollercoaster is Jalen Milroe. Well, once he was looking like a first-round pick, but his stock dipped a bit. The expectation was that he’d develop more as a passer under Kalen DeBoer, but instead, he had some consistency issues, throwing 16 touchdowns alongside 11 picks. Plus, some of his decisions raised eyebrows, and he quietly slipped down the draft boards. Because of that, most folks had him pegged as a Day 2 guy… until now.

The story seems flipped, and Jalen Milroe’s draft stock has taken a surprising turn, sparking some serious chatter across the NFL. Honestly, while the buzz is back, it’s definitely loud. And when most expected Milroe to run it back for one more year at Bama, he made a bold move—he bet on himself and declared for the 2025 NFL Draft. Look now, that gamble is gaining traction. According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, Milroe has received an invitation to attend the draft in Green Bay. You know, that’s not just a nod—it’s a statement. So, while the dual-threat QB is doubling down, the league is starting to take notice.

According to a February report by Jordan Schultz of FOX, the NFL is keeping things tight in Green Bay. Yes, this year, only 8–10 players are expected to receive invites to attend the draft in person. But why so few? The league wants star power on stage—and they’re counting on those invites being first-round locks. “The NFL is planning on being very selective this year and only plans on inviting 8-10 players who they feel are all top picks,” mentioned Schultz. That’s what makes Jalen Milroe’s reported invite so striking.

We all know just weeks ago, many had him pegged as a Day 2 pick. And now, he’s on the league’s shortlist. While it’s a major nod, it’s a clear sign that Milroe’s draft stock is heating up at just the right time. But in the latest mock draft from Athlon Sports, Luke Easterling made a bold call—projecting Milroe to the New York Giants at No. 35 overall. Yes, Milroe had an up-and-down season. But sometimes, it’s not just about the stats—it’s about the intangibles. With leadership, toughness, and big-play ability, Milroe checks those boxes, and that might be enough to sneak him into the first-round conversation.

Not only this, Milroe might just be the biggest wildcard in this year’s draft. His game has question marks, sure—but the talent is undeniable. Wherever he lands, he has the tools to make a serious impact. But here’s the twist. Analyst Mike Mayock sees a surprise fit: the Los Angeles Rams. Look, it’s not the obvious choice, with QB not being a major need right now. But Mayock believes Milroe’s athleticism and upside could make him a perfect project for Sean McVay.

As of now, with Matthew Stafford staying put, McVay could mold Jalen Milroe into the next big thing. Mayock sees him as a 2–3 year project—learning behind a Super Bowl champ with 5,000+ yards and 41 TDs on his resume. Let’s be real; if Milroe soaks it all in, the ceiling isn’t just high—it’s sky-high. While NFL teams view Milroe as a first-round talent with NFL-ready tools, fans have mixed feelings about his draft stock.

Is Jalen Milroe truly ready to be a first-round pick?

Let’s get one thing straight—there aren’t many QBs built like Jalen Milroe. He clocked a blazing 4.37 in the 40-yard dash unofficially and an official 4.40. You know, that’s Lamar Jackson and RGIII territory. On top of that, add in a cannon for an arm, and you’ve got a rare dual-threat weapon. When Bryce Young left Bama, the hype around Milroe exploded. Following that, CFB expert Scott Fisher said, “He was bigger, faster, and had a stronger arm.” And Milroe backed it up, amassing 7,593 total career yards and 78 touchdowns. You know, the numbers don’t lie.

Still, not everyone’s buying the first-round buzz. Some fans are calling it a reach—and they’re not shy about it. One fan even wrote, “If he’s a first round pick then I’m a top 3 pick this dude is a 3rd round pick 😭.” Honestly, the talent is there, no doubt. But the debate? It’s getting louder by the day.

​However, some fans remain skeptical about Jalen Milroe’s readiness for the NFL. And one fan commented, “He seems like a more raw Justin Fields prospect in my opinion I think he needs more time has a passer and if he ain’t drafted to a good team he’ll collapse.“​ Well, Justin Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, was recognized for his strong arm and athleticism. However, pre-draft analyses noted areas for improvement, such as pocket mobility and field vision under pressure. These aspects have been focal points in his development as he transitioned to the professional level.​ Like Fields, Milroe possesses raw talent but may require time and the right environment to fully develop his skills as a passer.

Then came a Bama fan with a level-headed take. “As a Bama fan, if you draft him first overall you just have to make sure that he doesn’t start right away. He should sit and learn. All of his mistakes is easily fixable. He needs to sit behind a guy like Matthew Stafford, or Aaron Rodgers,” wrote the fan. Honestly, it’s not a knock—it’s a blueprint. Let Milroe learn from a vet, sharpen the edges, and grow into the role. Although the tools are there, what about the patience? That might just unlock something special.

But not everyone’s riding the hype train. One fan kept it real with a dry dose of humor, writing, “im projecting that he will potentially be taken sometime in the first 7 rounds.” As of now, no bold predictions, and no hot takes, it’s just a subtle roast wrapped in facts. Then came a fan with pure energy and no hesitation.

“yes please draft qbs in the first round! draft all of them,” wrote the fan. And the kind of comment that lives for the chaos of draft night. And hey, who doesn’t love a little QB madness on the big stage?