Opinions on Jalen Milroe After Senior Bowl: NFL Draft Insight
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Jalen Milroe and the 2024 NFL Draft: Analyzing the Senior Bowl and Betting Insights
As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, Milroe’s name is a hot topic in draft circles. After spending the week at the Senior Bowl, where he had the chance to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts and executives, questions remain about where Milroe could land in the draft. The Alabama quarterback is a strong, athletic prospect with tantalizing potential, but his performance—especially in practice—has left a mixed impression. So, where does that leave him in terms of the NFL draft? Let’s dive into Milroe’s stock after the Senior Bowl and break down the betting angles.
Milroe’s Senior Bowl Struggles: Arm Strength But Inconsistent Accuracy
Milroe is undeniably one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class. He boasts an impressive arm with serious zip, a trait that stands out on tape. His ability to throw deep balls with power is reminiscent of Alabama alum Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles), and that’s something scouts love. But the consistency? Not so much.
In Mobile, Milroe showed flashes of brilliance but also had his fair share of struggles. Reports from practice sessions indicated that while his arm strength was evident, his accuracy was often lacking. Multiple passes sailed off target, and scouts were left wondering if he could make the necessary adjustments in the NFL, where timing and precision are crucial.
The Senior Bowl practices are a great opportunity for scouts to evaluate how quarterbacks handle different systems and teammates. However, as one of the few settings where you don’t tackle and rotations are weirdly timed, it’s tough to give Milroe a definitive grade. That said, it’s clear that Milroe’s performance didn’t convince many that he’s ready to be a high-draft pick.
Betting Angle:
Milroe’s Senior Bowl performance will likely affect his draft position. With some scouts questioning his accuracy, it’s safe to assume Milroe isn’t going in the first round. Look for his over/under draft position to hover around the 2nd to 3rd round, depending on how the rest of the draft process unfolds. Betting on Milroe to be selected after the 50th overall pick is a safer bet.
The Hand Size Issue: Small Hands, Big Concerns
Milroe, like Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett, has a hand size that has been a topic of conversation in scouting circles. For Milroe, whose hands measure on the smaller side, this could become an issue in the NFL, especially in cold-weather games or when ball control is paramount. Small hands can make it harder to grip the football, leading to inconsistent throws, particularly in adverse conditions.
Pickett, who famously wears gloves to compensate for his small hands, has managed to make it work in the NFL, but not without some struggles. NFL teams are always looking for quarterbacks who can handle every aspect of the game, including weather-related challenges. Milroe’s hand size will likely be something that’s heavily scrutinized leading up to the draft, and it could hurt his stock.
Betting Angle:
Given Milroe’s hand size and the questions about his ball security, it’s unlikely he will be a first-round pick, where teams are less willing to take on significant risks. If you’re betting on his draft position, consider betting the under on a 1st-round pick. The over-under on Milroe going in the 2nd or 3rd round might offer a better value, especially if teams like the Steelers (who reportedly had interest) continue to evaluate him.
The Quarterback Class in 2024: Slim Pickings for Round 1
Milroe isn’t the only quarterback prospect in a muddled 2024 quarterback class. As of now, there are really only two quarterbacks who are being heavily projected to go in the first round: Cam Ward from the Miami Hurricanes and Shadeur Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes. After them, the depth of the quarterback class drops off significantly.
Milroe, despite his physical tools, is firmly in the second or third tier of quarterbacks. There’s still a lot of speculation about whether any other signal-callers will break into the first round, with a few names, including Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss) and potentially others, moving up the ranks after solid performances during Senior Bowl week. But even with that, Milroe’s odds of cracking the first round seem slim.
Betting Angle:
The quarterback position is always fluid in the draft, and with Milroe’s performance at the Senior Bowl, he’s unlikely to be a first-round selection. If you’re betting on the draft, I would recommend betting that no more than two quarterbacks go in the first round (Ward and Sanders). For Milroe, expect his over/under draft position to be in the 40-55 range.
Jackson Dart: The Quiet Risers in 2024
As we touched on, Dart out is a name that’s starting to climb after a solid Senior Bowl week. While Dart wasn’t considered a lock for the first round before, his consistent play, leadership, and the overall growth of his game in practices have caught the eyes of many scouts. He’s not a perfect prospect, but Dart is a guy who has the potential to move into the back end of the first round if things continue trending positively.
Betting Angle:
If Dart continues to impress in interviews and testing, his draft stock could rise quickly. The over/under for Dart to be selected in the first round might shift, especially if there’s a team desperate for a quarterback. Keep an eye on the betting lines for a potential move on his draft position, especially if reports continue to pour in that Dart has impressed.
Where Does Milroe Fit?
At the end of the day, Milroe is a raw prospect with a lot of potential, but he’s not a polished product yet. His inconsistency at the Senior Bowl, combined with his hand size concerns, leaves a lot of question marks surrounding his draft stock. While Milroe may have a future in the NFL, it’s likely going to take time for him to develop into a starter. For now, he’s better suited for a team that can bring him along slowly, allowing him to work on his mechanics and accuracy.
Betting Angle:
Look for Milroe to land somewhere between the 2nd and 3rd round. Teams with a developmental mindset (like the Steelers or other teams with established starting quarterbacks) could be more inclined to take a shot on him, but it’s unlikely Milroe goes in the first round unless something drastic changes.
Conclusion:
Milroe has a lot of work to do to raise his stock following the Senior Bowl, and his small hand size combined with inconsistent accuracy could make scouts nervous. He won’t be a first-round pick, but his arm strength and athleticism could make him an intriguing prospect for a team looking for a developmental quarterback. As we get closer to the draft, Milroe’s over/under for draft position is likely to be somewhere in the 40-55 range, which is a solid value if you’re betting on where he lands. Keep an eye on Dart, though, as he might continue to rise and give Milroe a run for his developmental quarterback spot.
