Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe entered the 2024 college football season as one of the most hyped returning players. Following Nick Saban’s retirement, Milroe quickly embraced a leadership role and helped guide the Crimson Tide through the transition to new head coach Kalen DeBoer.
While Milroe was considered a Heisman Trophy contender at the start of the season, things did not go as smoothly as Alabama fans had hoped. However, the challenging year did not stop a former NFL quarterback from predicting a bright future for Milroe.
Cody Kessler Compares Jalen Milroe to Tyrod Taylor
Alabama had a turbulent 2024 season, finishing with a 9-4 record.
Many fans and analysts criticized Milroe’s performance throughout the year, which also impacted his NFL draft stock. However, former NFL quarterback Cody Kessler believes the Alabama star has starting-caliber potential at the next level.
Milroe finished his college career with 6,016 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, and a 64.3% completion percentage.
During an appearance on Good Morning Football, Kessler said he believes Milroe has a high ceiling, drawing a comparison to former Virginia Tech quarterback Tyrod Taylor.
“The arm talent is there,” Kessler said. “I think he has a high ceiling. He can absolutely develop with the team. Now we go to comparisons … I like Tyrod Taylor as his comparison.
.@JalenMilroe's pro comp?
Here's what @CodyKessler6 has to say. pic.twitter.com/rf2cHQqnf2
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 3, 2025
“And the reason I say that is because when you go back and look at Tyrod Taylor, if you look at their report when they were coming out of college, going to the NFL, Tyrod’s rocket arm, can make all the throws. Has potential to be a big-time starter, just too many throws where he’s not consistent. And that starts with his feet.”
“That’s where I’m at with Jalen Milroe,” Kessler added. “When you watch his tape, he’s too quick to go from his first read and then he gets a little bit of happy feet and starts looking around, and then he’s off balance and off target with his throws. … I see a great comparison. When it comes to rushing stats in college too, Tyrod ran for 2,000 yards, Jalen Milroe 1,500. Both had more than 22 touchdowns.”
The 2025 NFL Draft will be held from April 24 to 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.