The 2024 NFL Draft clock is ticking, with one Texas native’s name bouncing through scouting circles like a pinball. Former Alabama Crimson Tide’s QB1, Jalen Milroe, has flashed tantalizing potential. Powers were on display last season, torching Georgia and LSU’s defense, showcasing his cannon of an arm, and displaying jaw-dropping athleticism that can make even the most seasoned defensive coordinators sweat. Yet, despite these highs, his inconsistencies remain a glaring concern. The Senior Bowl was supposed to be his final chance to leave scouts with a resounding exclamation point. Instead, his performance left them with a question mark.

While the 22YO’s physical gifts have never been in doubt, his showing in Mobile reaffirmed concerns that have hovered over him throughout his collegiate career. The raw tools are undeniable—the deep ball is a beauty, the mobility is a cheat code, and he looks like a franchise passer in the making when he’s on. But he wasn’t always on. In the actual Senior Bowl game, Jalen Milroe managed to complete 1-of-3 for eight yards and also took multiple sacks. From one No. 4 to another, this time we have thoughts of an ex-USC Trojans, Max Browne, quarterbacked for USC 2013-16, now turned analyst CW Sports who also used to wear #4.

The 2013 National Gatorade Player of the Year slotted Jalen Milroe at No. 5 in his list of top 8 QBs in the draft, a placement that was neither scathing nor overly enthusiastic. His reasoning, however, was what turned heads. “Athleticism, elite, downfield throws great ceiling,” Browne noted. “Whatever is between Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson if he gets to the right system, which is probably a long shot. He wasn’t asked to consistently win from the pocket at Alabama, and that concerns me. You should have gone back to college.”

That last sentence is the one that lingers. The suggestion of Milroe to have stayed in Tuscaloosa for another season raises bigger questions about his readiness. The dilemma with Milroe is that his highs are dazzling, but his lows are jarring. He shredded Georgia’s vaunted defense in the SEC Championship Game, but he also had stretches where he looked unplayable—missing open receivers, struggling to process coverages, and taking sacks at an alarming rate. Even in practices at the Senior Bowl, the same concerns cropped up. His arm strength was never in doubt, but the accuracy? The consistency? That’s where the jury remains out, add 11 INTs in 24 to that. That’s the kind of variance that terrifies NFL coaches.

His ability to throw deep balls with power is reminiscent of Alabama alum sharing his first name, Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles), and that’s something scouts love. Mind that it also highlights an important caveat—both of those quarterbacks were drafted into systems designed to maximize their strengths. Hurts had a dominant offensive line and a run-heavy scheme to lean on in Philadelphia. Jackson had Greg Roman’s tailored offense in Baltimore, built around his ability to run and attack downfield off-play action. Milroe, should he land in the wrong situation, could struggle mightily.

The Alabama class of 24′ hasn’t suggested any back-to-school plans, though. But in another season at Alabama, Milroe could’ve refined his mechanics. Because it’s not just his pocket presence that he has to improve.

Jalen Milroe has a biological issue

Hand size might sound weird to obsess over, but in the NFL, it matters, Sportsgrid analyzed. Just ask Kenny Pickett—who had scouts breaking out measuring tape like they were fitting him for a custom suit. Now, Jalen Milroe is in a similar conversation as the draft season heats up.

Milroe’s hands measure on the smaller side, and that’s raising some eyebrows among NFL evaluators. Because in cold-weather games or when ball security is crucial, a smaller grip can lead to fumbles, wobbly throws, and overall inconsistency.

Pickett dealt with similar concerns and ultimately started wearing gloves to help his grip. While it’s worked to a degree, it hasn’t silenced all critics. This is something he won’t be able to change even if he returns to college. However, previous mock drafts reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers showed interest in Milroe.