Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe came to the Combine with a single motive: to boost his draft stock. Many would say that Alabama QB nailed it. As the throws got deeper, Milroe looked a lot more comfortable, hitting receivers in stride. He was simply impressive in the crucial showdown at Indianapolis this weekend. Heading to the main event (the draft day in April), Milroe is not viewed as a first-round pick. But a recent analysis shows there is still hope that he can go first round with the $6.9 million-worth team.

The Alabama QB possesses a real, menacing trait to use his arms and legs at once, keeping defenders on their toes. Milroe isn’t perfect. He has flaws like any other quarterback. He struggles with the mid-range passes and can’t operate well if the initial reads aren’t open and clear. In 2024, he saw a sharp dip in his yards per pass, passing touchdown, and completion percentage. His interceptions went from six to eleven, almost double within one year. But there is still room for the QB to have a spot with the New York Jets, as the team has been undergoing a strong cultural shift, moving on from Aaron Rodgers.

However, it’s not just another elusive idea swirling over the head. It seems both Alabama and the Jets share some internal coaching co-relations. ”I would not be the least bit surprised to see the Jets reach for QB Jalen Milroe in the first round at No. 7. He comes from a strong military background, and Aaron Glenn is a Parcells guy. Milroe was recruited by Saban. There is a close relation in the coaching tree between Parcells, Glenn, Belichick, and Saban. Dan Campbell is also a Parcells’ guy, and that’s where Glenn is coming from in Detroit,’‘ a report from First Round Mock sparked new intel in Milroe’s NFL future.

NFL legend Bill Parcells is mostly known for two Super Bowls with the Giants, but if you look back at the wide list of players and coaches he came in contact with, Parcells’ coaching tree is ridiculous. Just having Bill Belichick would have completed the list. It also includes Sean Payton. By association with Belichick, Nick Saban is also a secondary branch in the Parcellls’ coaching tree. One thing that is common with all these coaches is how they run their ships—discipline and commitment. If you’re not fully in, you may as well be out. Jalen Milroe has never not been 110% in.

The Jets, holding the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, are considering a two-pronged approach to their quarterback situation. This involves a veteran player for immediate impact and a rookie for future development, as top prospects like Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders may be unavailable. Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, a blend of Jalen Hurts and athleticism, is gaining attention as a potential pocket passer.

Milroe attended Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas. As a junior, he was outstanding, throwing for 2,689 yards and 29 touchdowns. He has the talent, has the numbers, and also turned heads at the combine, but his draft fate remains uncertain. The Jets may surely make a move as they are in a pretty vulnerable state right now, or they may not, but Milroe should be consistent, unlike his stint at Alabama, to gain more edge on the draft. He can be a muscled-up superhero and end up bagging a good deal at the pro, or he can simply be a bust. It all depends on a lot of hard work and a pinch of fate.

However, despite some occasional flashes of praise and some brickbats, Jalen Milroe chooses to believe in himself.

Jalen Milroe never stops believing in himself amidst the doubt

At the combine day, Milroe showcased a lot of his blueblood skills. He has been an elite runner. When he started showing, the footballs started to fly like paper in the air. He is just standing a step behind the No. 2 QB, Ole Miss’s Jaxon Dart. The Rebels’ QB amassed a total of 4,279 yards in the past season.

Milroe has at least made the scouts understand that he might not be a guarantee but a risk worth taking. If they provide him with a smart offensive unit, he can pay back with the best of the best performances against top-tier opponents. But he still hasn’t popped up that much in the Combine conversation. It might be because of the lack of trust people have in him. But it seems the QB phenomenon doesn’t have any problem with progressing behind the scenes. But, at the same time, he doesn’t forget to flex his worth.

”I’m cool with being underrated,” Milroe told the media. “I play in the hardest conference in the country. I played against the number one team in the country, the number one defense in the country. So, if I lacked knowledge, I wouldn’t be able to win big games. And in 2023, my first year starting, I didn’t lose an SEC game and was playing a lot of different defenses.” The Tide QB added people can’t see everything from the surface, but he knows his hustles, progress, and failures.

Milroe believes his immense love for football continuously prompts him to develop and work on his issues. So, the sky is the limit for him if it works well. The message is clear. Be a little more patient, NFL! There is a superstar in progress, maturing for you!