Kalen DeBoer assesses Jalen Milroe's Alabama Pro Day, details conversations with NFL evaluators

Kalen DeBoer only coached Jalen Milroe for one season at Alabama. But in their short time together, DeBoer saw enough to know the quarterback can be successful in the NFL.

DeBoer spoke with league insiders Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo on NFL Network and said that Milroe’s performance at Alabama’s Pro Day last Wednesday was “just more verification” the kind of player Milroe can be. DeBoer was hardly surprised by the eye-popping 4.37 40-yard dash time, but more so impressed with how comfortable he was under center.

“The running piece speaks for itself.” @AlabamaFTBL HC Kalen DeBoer discusses the speed and run ability of QB prospect Jalen Milroe. pic.twitter.com/5N8R7QcsjB

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 24, 2025

“It continues to be more of the same. Ball comes off his hand really well and I thought he threw with good accuracy. He can throw to all levels of the field,” DeBoer said Monday. “The running piece I think speaks for itself. So much that he’s shown on film over the last couple years. He’s not just running to guys; he’s running through and by them.

“So, that really didn’t surprise me as far as how he ran, but the other stuff is just more verification. Elements and some things under center. Stuff that maybe you didn’t get a chance to see as much of, but he looked pretty comfortable.”

Milroe, 22, showed off his dual-threat ability this past season with the Crimson Tide, rushing for 726 yards while throwing for 2,844. In fact, Milroe finished with more rushing touchdowns (20) than passing scores (16).

Milroe benefited greatly his NFL Draft stock after his performance at the recent Scouting Combine. While he didn’t participate in the 40-yard dash — only three quarterbacks did to be fair — Milroe showed off his cannon of a throwing arm during passing drills and was able to otherwise catch the attention of NFL personnel with just his physical presence and affable personality during team and media interviews.

Kalen DeBoer praises Jalen Milroe’s mindset

As we know, being a quarterback in the NFL is about far more than just talent. And when it comes to leading a team and being a professional, DeBoer is confident Milroe is ready.

“He’s been here at Alabama and along with that I think you have to handle expectations. When you’re the quarterback, it’s on another level,” DeBoer said. “He’s had the highs and the lows, and he’s had to stay the course and just continue to push through. That’s part of being a quarterback and that’s only gonna continue being the case in the NFL.

“His personality just never wavers. He’s coming in super early and he’s a guy that isn’t afraid of the work in all areas whether it’s on the football field, in workouts or in the classroom — he just loves it. The new challenges that come his way, he embraces it. He’s always looking to learn, and he’s got a growth mindset about him. Just really enjoyable to be around.”

On3’s Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.