NY Jets: Say no to Jalen Milroe

The New York Jets head into the 2025 NFL Draft facing significant uncertainty at quarterback.

Currently, their roster includes veteran Tyrod Taylor and former 2021 first-round pick Justin Fields. While Taylor—who arguably should have seen action early in the 2024 season before Aaron Rodgers found his rhythm—serves as a reliable backup, he isn’t a long-term solution for a rebuilding team. Meanwhile, Fields’ track record (6-14 in games where he’s attempted over 25 passes) raises concerns about his ability to carry the offense when the game script isn’t ideal.

As the draft approaches, the Jets have been linked to another quarterback—Alabama’s Jalen Milroe. The question is: Should they pursue him or look elsewhere?

Should the Jets pass on Jalen Milroe?

At the NFL Combine, Jets quarterbacks coach Charles London was spotted working closely with Milroe while other quarterbacks were undergoing testing. While details on the drills remain scarce, the interest from New York is evident. But is Milroe the right choice for the Jets?

One of the biggest concerns surrounding Milroe is his ability to process the game at an NFL level—an issue that has also plagued Fields. While his Alabama film showcases both highlights and red flags, his performance at the Senior Bowl was particularly concerning.

For context, the Senior Bowl is designed to be as straightforward as possible, with simplified offensive and defensive schemes meant to highlight players’ abilities. Yet, Milroe struggled to read the field on three separate plays—each of which would have resulted in sacks. On one occasion, he was so late on a read that he still threw an interception to an open receiver. At one point, coaches stopped calling passing plays when he was under center. He was also the only quarterback to forget a play call entirely—a fundamental mistake in a setting designed to help players shine.

A poor Senior Bowl performance isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, but it reinforces concerns already visible on his Alabama tape. Milroe is a high-risk, high-reward prospect. He threw just 16 passing touchdowns to 11 interceptions but made up for it with 20 rushing touchdowns. His expected points added (EPA) per dropback—a key efficiency metric—declined significantly, ranking 36th nationally. Additionally, his 6.76 yards per dropback placed him 54th, further highlighting his inconsistency as a passer.

Milroe’s struggles with processing defenses aren’t new; they’ve been evident on film for a while. While his athleticism is undeniable, it can only take him so far at the next level.

Why the Jets Might Still Be Interested

Despite the concerns, there’s a case for why the Jets could take a chance on Milroe. His skill set aligns with the type of quarterback the team seems to be targeting. With Fields already on board, the Jets may see value in having a QB room built around similar strengths—strong arms, mobility, and playmaking ability. This approach would provide continuity in the event of an injury, making it easier for the offense to function without major schematic adjustments.

Additionally, Milroe is a developmental prospect with high upside if given the right support system. If Fields fails to establish himself as the franchise quarterback, Milroe could be an intriguing fallback option.

Ultimately, whether the Jets select Milroe remains to be seen. While there are reasons for their interest, the concerns surrounding his ability to process the game at an NFL level suggest they might be better off looking elsewhere in the 2025 draft.