The 2025 NFL Draft has basically turned into a two-quarterback race. Both Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward stand out from the rest of the draft class as the top signal-callers available. Most other quarterbacks are expected to go later, with limited upside.
But according to former NFL general manager Mike Mayock, there’s one more quarterback outside of Sanders and Ward who could be the steal of the draft. Known as one of the better late-round drafters in recent memory, Mayock had high praise for Jalen Milroe.
Jalen Milroe = Steal of the Draft?
Mike Mayock served as general manager of the then-Oakland Raiders from 2018 to 2022. During that time, he hit on several later-round picks, drafting players like Trayvon Mullen, Maxx Crosby and Hunter Renfrow outside of the first round.
Speaking on “The Rich Eisen Show,” he broke down this year’s quarterback class, putting special focus on Milroe out of Alabama. “I go to the guy that I get a twinkle in my eye a little bit, and that’s Jalen Milroe from Alabama.”
To him, Milroe’s mix of athleticism and finesse is tough to match. “What does he do well? Well, he’s a runner — I’d put him in the same category as Jayden Daniels and Lamar Jackson. How fast is he? As fast as he needs to be. And he’s 20 pounds heavier than those two guys.”
“Does he have some accuracy and inconsistency? 100%, which is why him going in the second or third round, I think, is perfect. First-round quarterbacks come with this pressure, and you got to play ’em right now.”
But someone drafted later doesn’t face the same level of scrutiny. In today’s NFL, about 75% of starting quarterbacks are first-round picks. Still, players like Russell Wilson, Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins have built strong careers despite going later in the draft.
And don’t forget Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. Still, guys like that usually need time and good coaching to succeed. “I’d love to see him behind, like, the L.A. Rams and Matthew Stafford.”
To Mayock, that’s the best-case scenario for Milroe. “No pressure to play, the opportunity to sit behind an established quarterback and play-caller in Sean McVay. I think he’s a two-to-three-year project. But if somebody rubs this piece of coal, I think he could turn into a diamond.”
At Alabama, Milroe had two strong final seasons, throwing for more than 2,800 yards with a completion percentage over 64%. His rushing ability stood out the most, with 726 yards and 20 touchdowns in his final season. That brought his career total to 78 touchdowns.
Still, Mayock knows Milroe will need development. “I’ve already said he’s a major developmental project.
“When you watch cut-ups on the pass game, you can see him throw a 17-yard dig, a deep in route, in between two defenders right here with unbelievable velocity and accuracy, and then three snaps later have the guy wide open in the same place and throw it eight yards overhead. So there’s massive inconsistencies that need to be worked on.”
In the end, Mayock summed it up clearly. “He’s a guy that he’s got a lot of glaring deficiencies, but I love his upside.”