All eyes on Alabama's Jalen Milroe after Drew Allar announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nazario Pangallo | Last updated Dec 19, 2024 10:54 AM ET

Just last week, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe led the way by announcing he would be playing in the Crimson Tide's bowl game against Michigan on Dec. 31. Many of the team's veterans followed suit instead of opting out to prepare for the NFL draft.

For Milroe, it’s a tough decision regarding his future plans, as he can return to improve his stock or depart and see if he can sneak into the first round. On Monday, his decision might’ve become easier as Penn State quarterback Drew Allar announced he would be returning to Happy Valley for another season, which removes another name that could’ve bumped Milroe outside of the first round.

It was also an announcement that ESPN's NFL Draft insider, Matt Miller, revealed now has everyone looking to Milroe to see what he will do.

"With Drew Allar out, all eyes go to Alabama's Jalen Milroe as the next key draft decision," Miller wrote. "He's playing in Alabama's bowl game and gets his Master's degree this semester. The two-year starter has big-time talent. My most recent mock draft had Milroe as a late Round 1 selection."

Still, all eyes are on Milroe and whether he will enter the draft or stay in Tuscaloosa for another season. With Alabama's absence from the 12-team playoff, the Crimson Tide faithful has shifted its gaze to 2025.

There’s no denying that the chance to draft a quarterback with the size, speed and raw arm talent that Milroe possesses is rare. But it’s also just as rare to draft a quarterback in the first round with Milroe's accuracy and turnover struggles. After just six interceptions last year, that number rose to 10 this season to go along with a passer rating that dropped nearly 20 points.

Milroe's top two targets, Ryan Williams and Germaine Bernard, are set to return, while a full offseason with Kalen DeBoer could also pay huge dividends.

While leading Alabama to a 9-3 year, Milroe completed 65.9% of his passes for 2,652 yards and 15 passing touchdowns while also adding 719 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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