Jordan Rodgers criticizes Jalen Milroe's 2024 season, believes he shouldn't declare for NFL Draft

It seems as though Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is leaning towards turning pro and entering the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN college football analyst Jordan Rodgers believes that is a mistake.

Rodgers spoke with Paul Finebaum after Alabama’s loss to Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl and shared that he doesn’t believe Milroe is ready for the NFL.

“Look, he’s not going to come back, I don’t think. But I think he absolutely should come back,” Jordan Rodgers said. “Because you didn’t see growth this year. You didn’t see a guy develop as more than just an athlete.

“He’s dynamic. When he takes off and runs, he had that long run before the half that got them in position for a field goal. Some of the stuff that he does is unbelievable. But he did not develop as a passer from in the pocket.”

Jalen Milroe was 16 of 32 passing for 192 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Michigan. He also had three carries for 36 yards.

The biggest issue, though, was that he had three bad turnovers early on. At one point, he turned the ball over on three out of four plays, with two fumbles and an interception.

Alabama fell behind 16-0 early and fought back to within 19-13 late, before coming up short.

“You watch early in this game against Michigan, his feet were slow, getting to reads, getting through progressions. He was late, caused some of the issues, the turnovers, was slipping. It was ugly,” Rodgers said. “Because you saw a quarterback who didn’t develop throughout the season. I think that’s a problem. I wish he would come back for another year. I think he needs it.”

Jalen Milroe finished the 2024 season with 2,652 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 719 yards and 20 scores.

Milroe is without a doubt a really good athlete, but he dipped as a passer this year after leading the Crimson Tide to the College Football Playoff in 2023.

Unfortunately for Alabama, he also had a dreadful start in the bowl game against the Wolverines, which ultimately cost the Crimson Tide.

“The Milroe start, it’s almost improbable how poor. I mean I think he had two fumbles and an interception in the first three possessions,” Paul Finebaum said.