Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe recently made headlines following a surprising increase in his hand size, potentially impacting his prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. At the Senior Bowl, Milroe measured his hands at 8 3/4 inches, but a quick follow-up measurement at the NFL Scouting Combine showed an increase to 9 3/8 inches. This growth not only aligns him with the standard hand size for NFL quarterbacks but might also influence his positioning in the draft rankings, where he is currently rated as the No. 6 quarterback by analysts. Throughout his collegiate career, Milroe showcased remarkable dual-threat capabilities, achieving impressive touchdown stats, albeit alongside a high turnover rate.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Latest Measurements Inspire Hope |
| 2) Performance Stats Highlight Strengths and Weaknesses |
| 3) The Dual-Threat Quarterback Profile |
| 4) Speculation About Position Change |
| 5) Current Draft Status and Outlook |
Latest Measurements Inspire Hope
At the Senior Bowl, Jalen Milroe drew attention with a hand size measurement of 8 3/4 inches, an indication that could influence perceptions regarding his potential as a quarterback in the National Football League. However, recent measures taken at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine showed a significant increase, with his hands now measuring 9 3/8 inches, effectively surpassing the traditional 9-inch threshold deemed acceptable for quarterbacks. This growth suggests that Milroe may not only be more capable than previously thought in terms of securing the ball and handling it effectively in challenging game situations, but also shows that he has made progress in his physical development during the pre-draft process.
The scenario raises questions about the reliability of initial measurements. Milroe himself acknowledged the potential for either a measurement error or an improper hand positioning during the initial assessment. Prior to these recent developments, analysts had begun to express concerns about Milroe’s prospects due to the size of his hands, often a critical factor when assessing quarterbacks. With larger hands, he is now reportedly in a more favorable position compared to prospects like Cam Ward from Miami and Will Howard from Ohio State, both of whom were previously viewed as competitors for quarterback rankings.
Performance Stats Highlight Strengths and Weaknesses
Throughout his college career, Milroe demonstrated a propensity to excel in various offensive scenarios, effectively utilizing both his arm and legs to accumulate significant yardage and scoring opportunities. He finished college with a total of 71 touchdowns, split between 38 passing and 32 rushing scores. While these figures position him as a prolific scorer in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), it is essential to recognize that his performance was mirrored by a notable number of turnovers, totaling 23 during his last season, making him the player with the most turnovers in the SEC. This juxtaposition presents a clear narrative of a quarterback with immense potential, yet one that is hindered by inconsistent decision-making under pressure.
In his last college season, Milroe had 20 rushing touchdowns and 16 passing touchdowns, ranking him 11th highest nationally while also being number one in the SEC. However, his 15 turnovers placed him fourth among college quarterbacks, indicating areas needing improvement before transitioning to the professional level. The turnovers stemmed in part from his aggressive playing style and his attempts to make plays happen, sometimes pushing him into riskier situations than warranted. Understanding how to better manage the pace of play while still leveraging his speed and agility will be critical for his success in the NFL.
The Dual-Threat Quarterback Profile
Milroe is often classified as a dual-threat quarterback, a label reflecting his ability to make plays with both his arm and his legs. In college, he showcased an extraordinary capacity to evade defenders and scramble for yardage while also posing a constant threat through the air. His agility and speed allowed him to escape sacks and extend plays, a skill that NFL teams highly value. This playmaking ability could be instrumental for teams looking to implement schemes that leverage a quarterback’s legs as much as their passing ability.
Despite his physical attributes and impressive statistics, there are lingering questions about the sustainability of his playing style at the professional level. While dual-threat quarterbacks have had varying degrees of success in the NFL, the balance between running and passing is crucial. If Milroe is to maintain a dual-threat status, he will need to refine his passing game further and enhance his decision-making abilities.
Speculation About Position Change
Given his impressive rushing statistics and dual-threat potential, speculation has surfaced regarding whether Milroe might consider a position change in the NFL. This possibility often arises for college quarterbacks with a proven track record of athleticism but questions surrounding their passing ability. When asked by reporters about the idea of switching positions, Milroe responded with the memorable line,
“You never ask a zebra to be a dog.”
This assertion emphasizes his commitment to remaining a quarterback and not pivoting to another position, as well as his confidence in his abilities to lead a team from behind center.
Navigating the transition from college to the NFL can be challenging, especially for a dual-threat quarterback. Teams may have different visions for Milroe’s role, and he must communicate his aspirations clearly while striving to convince scouts and coaches of his quarterback capabilities. His future may also hinge on how effectively he can demonstrate proficiency in reading defenses and executing plays under scrutiny in college-style practices.
Current Draft Status and Outlook
In the current drafting landscape, Milroe is rated as the No. 6 quarterback in the consensus rankings. His ranking reflects a combination of his demonstrated success as a college player and the lingering questions regarding his development into a professional quarterback. Analysts suggest that despite his high turnover rate, Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities and physical stature, combined with his recent hand size improvement, could see him becoming a valuable asset for teams in search of a dynamic quarterback.
As the NFL Draft approaches, Milroe will likely engage in various interviews and evaluation sessions to further solidify his prospects. His hand size and athletic prowess have positioned him favorably, but teams will be keen to assess his improvement areas, especially concerning decision-making and throwing accuracy. Optimistically, if he can demonstrate significant improvements in these areas, he stands a good chance of being selected early in the draft and securing a position with a supportive organization eager to develop his unique talents.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jalen Milroe’s hand size increased from 8 3/4 inches to 9 3/8 inches between the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. |
| 2 | He registered 71 total touchdowns during his college career, evenly split between passing and rushing scores. |
| 3 | Milroe had the highest turnover rate in the SEC with 23 turnovers last season. |
| 4 | Speculations persist regarding a potential switch in positions due to his dual-threat capabilities. |
| 5 | Milroe is currently ranked 6th overall among quarterbacks entering the NFL Draft. |
Summary
In conclusion, Jalen Milroe‘s recent hand measurement and overall performance as a dual-threat quarterback have generated significant interest heading into the NFL Draft. His ability to elevate himself physically and statistically could play a critical role in his transition from college to professional football. Although questions remain regarding his high turnover rate and consistency, Milroe’s unique skill set presents a compelling case for teams to consider him as a viable option in the draft, where teams are eager to enhance their quarterback positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Why is hand size important for NFL quarterbacks?
Hand size is crucial for quarterbacks because it affects a player’s ability to grip and throw the ball effectively, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Question: How has Jalen Milroe’s performance been statistically significant?
Milroe has achieved a total of 71 touchdowns, with impressive statistics for both rushing and passing, indicating his versatility as a dual-threat quarterback.
Question: What challenges might Milroe face when transitioning to the NFL?
Milroe may need to improve his decision-making and reduce his turnover rate to succeed at the professional level, where games are faster and more strategic.
