“Talk about a 180!” Bama’s shining star, Jalen Milroe, went from Joe Burrow comparisons to a total dud at the Senior Bowl. But what’s the tea behind this sudden shift? Well, it’s Jalen’s Senior Bowl performance, which is now causing concern. Plus, it’s also shaking his once-promising first-round pick stock. It’s a classic example of a once-safe bet being now a gamble, like watching a rollercoaster go off track.

So what went wrong? Well, first up was his passing game, and second was his ability to secure the pigskin. Now the problem is Jalen Milroe’s hand size. With an 8.75-inch hand measurement, he falls below the unofficial 9-inch NFL standard, and that’s exactly what the red flag analyst Nate Tice and Dane Brugler are talking about. “8 3/4, you know, just for those a little bit, anything under nine is kind of a red flag, and it kind of speaks to maybe all the inconsistencies with some of the… when the b–l comes off his hand, like sometimes he just sails a simple, you know, flat throw for really no reason, and maybe the hand size factors into that.”

Now they are not completely wrong about the whole inconsistency part, as Jalen Milroe has had six fumbles in 13 of his games, which is a clear-cut representation of possible turnover risk in the future. But then let’s not forget his comparison with players like Joe Burrow and Jared Goff. Both of their hand sizes are around 9 inches; even then, they are taking over the whole football field through a run.

Moreover, it’s pretty evident that Jalen Milroe’s performance showed flashes of inconsistencies in terms of his skills, but his composure and leadership caught everyone’s attention. Especially in front of his alleged first-round pick team, the Cleveland Browns, their analyst Tony Grossi even suggested that Milroe is an “odds-on favorite.”

Well, it’s pretty evident that the Browns have been rooting high for Jalen Milroe since the start of the offseason. Plus, his connection with their offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees, might make his presence on the team more intact. But now, with all the doubts swirling over his gameplay, things might take a weird turn for him.

Jalen Milroe’s NFL hopes looks shaky

Looks like Jalen Milroe’s showing at the Senior Bowl has become the ultimate test for NFL scouts. It’s like, are they captivated by his powerful arm and ability to make plays, or are they deterred by his inconsistent intermediate passing and slow decision-making? He can dazzle the field with an impressive long throw, but he sometimes struggles to connect on shorter 10-15-yard passes. It’s as if he’s trying to keep up, but the pace of the game is exceeding his readiness.

While some still believe he’s worthy of a Round 1 pick, like CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso, alongside every great play, there’s a perplexing choice looking at you, just like his Wednesday’s interception. Sure, Jalen Milroe has the potential, but the question remains: can he handle the mental demands of the NFL?

However, unlike Chris, ESPN’s NFL analyst Louis Riddick still has doubts. After assessing the first two practices, he notes that Milroe’s performance has been inconsistent. Riddick isn’t criticizing Milroe, but he cannot overlook the noticeable inconsistencies, such as throws significantly missing their intended target.

Plus, he believes Milroe needs a team with the patience and drive to mold this raw talent into something more, and he’s not wrong in saying, “So if you are someone or you’re a football team that doesn’t have patience and doesn’t have a good developmental program, do not draft him. Do not do that to the young man.” So, all in all, the final verdict is Jalen Milroe’s flashes of brilliance won’t be enough without some fine-tuning.