Potential Options at QB for the Cleveland Browns: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe

Photo Courtesy of USA Today

Potential Options at QB for the Cleveland Browns: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe, 6’2 225, has captured the attention of NFL scouts with his physical abilities as a QB. His stats from the 2024 season included 16 touchdown passes against just 11 interceptions while running for 726 yards and 20 TDs. While Milroe is still a raw prospect, analysts have noted Milroe's powerful arm and explosive play ability. He has a dynamic and highly live arm that allows him to push the ball down the field.

While his arm is impressive, his ability as a runner is most intriguing in a West Coast offense. He hit 22 MPH in a game on a 77-yard rush against Arkansas (Tyreek Hill’s fastest rush in 2023 was 22.23 MPH!) His mobility could add another dimension to Cleveland's offense, potentially reviving a running game that was once dominant.

There is a lot to like about Milroe’s play, but a lot also needs to be fixed. He tends to be bailing out of clean pockets, trying to do too much. He runs into unnecessary hits while processing information and getting through his progressions. His footwork in the pocket needs consistency. He is also a very raw passer regarding anticipations and tends to wait too long for receivers to break on their routes.

Several mock drafts have the Browns selecting Milroe with their first-round pick. For instance, Chris Trapasso from CBS Sports suggests in his latest mock draft that the Browns would aggressively address their quarterback needs, with Milroe being a prime candidate in a trade-down scenario. Current Browns OC Tommy Rees, former Alabama offensive coordinator, adds a layer of familiarity that could accelerate Milroe's transition to the professional level.

While I would be very intrigued by the thought of a QB room with Jalen Milroe in it, it would have to be as a backup in year 1 with a veteran ahead of him. Some veterans that come to mind are Russell Wilson, Geno Smith, Kirk Cousins, and Justin Fields. Milroe will almost certainly be a first-round pick; barring the situation, if he gets the opportunity to sit and learn, he will be a top-10 QB by 2027.

Ceiling: Jalen Hurts

Floor: Justin Fields with worse ability as a passer

Prediction: A team with an aging veteran takes Milroe in the second half of the first round. (LAR/SEA/PIT)