Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe officially declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday. It was a mildly surprising decision given the inconsistencies he endured throughout 2024. Milroe's Crimson Tide career ended with a three-turnover performance in a ReliaQuest Bowl loss to Michigan. Despite that, he'll possess an excellent opportunity to be the third quarterback drafted in April behind Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward.
Milroe possesses high-level physical tools that will tempt an NFL team to draft and develop him. Of all the quarterbacks in April's class, Milroe arguably has the highest floor due to his rushing ability. Building an offense around his skill set could create a path to success.
Now that he's officially declared, we've identified three potential team fits for Milroe in the 2025 NFL Draft.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are currently slated to own the No. 10 overall selection. They may slightly increase their draft positioning following Week 18, but they're likely to miss out on Sanders and Ward. The Saints are expected to release veteran quarterback Derek Carr, creating an immediate need for a younger quarterback.
It's difficult to predict the Saints' quarterback plans this offseason until they finalize their head coaching process. A hard rebuild and organizational reset have been required for years now. If the Saints appoint a creative offensive-minded leader as Dennis Allen's successor, drafting a quarterback with upside like Milroe in the second or third round would be a worthwhile attempt to ignite change.
New York Jets
The New York Jets find themselves in a bind this offseason. They're not scheduled to draft high enough to land one of the top-ranking QB prospects. Owner Woody Johnson is appointing a new GM and head coach. Surely, that duo will prefer to sever ties with Aaron Rodgers after watching the franchise endure a toxic 2024 campaign. A complete reset and fresh start is required.
The new leaders unfortunately won't inherit a succession plan. They'll be tasked with forging a path that starts with identifying who follows Rodgers at quarterback. The Jets believed they possessed a Super Bowl window with Rodgers at the helm. A championship opportunity never revealed itself, and the next era must start with a ground-up rebuild. Drafting a mid-round quarterback like Milroe represents one potential outcome.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith is entering a contract year in 2025. At some point, general manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald will have to make a decision. Either continue with Smith or acquire a younger quarterback that shifts the direction of the franchise.
Smith is still playing at a franchise quarterback level. The Seahawks feel like an organization that will try to draft a mid-round QB like Milroe, Carson Beck, or Quinn Ewers. That rookie signal-caller could sit and learn behind Smith in 2025 while developing and trying to prove they'll be ready to start as a sophomore.
