Alabama fans had high hopes for head coach Kalen DeBoer and quarterback Jalen Milroe to keep the program’s legacy alive after Nick Saban announced his decision to retire after 17 long seasons with the Crimson Tide.
However, while fans were excited to see Milroe prepare for his second season as Alabama’s starting quarterback, the season did not go as planned. The program finished the year with a 9-4 record.
This outcome majorly affected Milroe’s draft stock, and he is now projected as a second-round pick. However, Joel Klatt still believes the Alabama star has a bright future ahead.
Joel Klatt Shows Faith in Jalen Milroe’s NFL Career Despite a 9–4 Season at Alabama
Milroe was among the most hyped returning players of the 2024 college football season. Although he did not have an ideal year, he finished his collegiate career with 6,016 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, and a 64.3% completion percentage.
Many fans and analysts criticized Milroe for underperforming in 2024 and doubted whether he could translate his skills to the NFL. However, Joel Klatt believes the Alabama quarterback still shows top-end talent and traits.
During his latest analysis on “The Joel Klatt Show,” he shared how he loves Milroe despite his inconsistencies. He believes Milroe has the talent, which is why the NFL Combine was a perfect showcase event for the Alabama star.
“Athletically, he does things other guys can’t. From an evaluator standpoint, whenever you see something that you can’t teach, it raises your eyebrows, draws you in and draws your attention.
"Whenever you see something that you can't teach, it raises your eyebrows – and it draws you in."@joelklatt thinks NFL teams will fall in love with Jalen Milroe's potential – all he needs is the right coach to raise his floor. pic.twitter.com/1tGuGp7RA4
— The Joel Klatt Show: A CFB Pod (@JoelKlattShow) March 3, 2025
“This type of setting is perfect for Jalen Milroe, and in a lot of cases, it’s similar to the Anthony Richardson phenomenon. I think I fell in love with this potential. Now, is it consistent enough to be a really good NFL quarterback? Yet? No, he’s not, and he needs to get more consistent.”
“So even though he has shown some inconsistencies, and namely, you know, the film against Michigan is not going to help out.
“That top-end stuff, man, I’m telling you people are going to fall in love with that and Indianapolis is certainly a location where that type of love affair starts.”
Alabama lost 19-13 to Michigan in 2024. Milroe struggled on the field, completing just 32 attempts for 192 yards and throwing one touchdown and one interception.