Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is looking to make his best impression on NFL scouts this week for the upcoming Senior Bowl. However, it appears that he may have encountered a problem that could prevent him from being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the NFL Draft.
Jalen Milroe Didn’t Measure Up at the Senior Bowl
ESPN NFL insider Tony Grossi, who covers the Browns, said the club may be concerned about Milroe’s hand measurements.
He said Cleveland and other clubs could have second thoughts about spending a noteworthy draft asset to land Milroe after the signal-caller was measured at the Senior Bowl in Mobile on Monday (Jan. 27).
“Milroe’s right hand, measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky, came in at 8 ¾ inches. That’s well below the 9 ½ in. threshold that is considered average,” Grossi explained. …”‘It does matter,’ texted a former NFL team personnel executive. ‘Fumbles, struggles in cold/wet weather, etc. Guys like Josh Allen and [Patrick] Mahomes can grab that ball like a vice-grip wrapping their hand around it.'”
2025 Reese's Senior Bowl Measurements.
✅ Verified.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE™️ pic.twitter.com/5sdLiYgjiE— Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 27, 2025
Another thing working against Milroe is losing six fumbles in 13 games during the 2024 season, and that wasn’t in many cold-weather environments. QB Kenny Pickett had the same issue coming out of college, which is why there may be some concern regarding Milroe’s hand size.
Pickett is now the backup for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Does This Open the Door for Raiders or Steelers To Select Milroe?
If the Browns decide to skip on Milroe, does this open the door for the Raiders and Steelers? Both teams also are supposedly high on him, and it’s being reported that the Steelers feel like he would fit their offense perfectly.
Some are even comparing Milroe to Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson because of his athleticism and his passing ability.
Milroe considers that a compliment.
“It’s been evident how he’s played this season,” Milroe said with a smile after being compared to Jackson. “For someone that aspires to go to the NFL, just seeing as he takes his game to the next level each and every year, him being at the top of the league and him definitely being a top-five quarterback in the NFL, that’s inspiring for sure.”
Despite some doubts, the Browns still may be Milroe’s best bet to start at QB, mainly because his ex-Alabama offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees, is now in Cleveland and familiar with his play style.