Breaking: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe opt-out Throwing at Combine, Unsure About Running 40-Yard Dash

In a pivotal move for his professional prospects, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has declared his intention to participate in the throwing drills at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This decision comes amidst a backdrop where several top quarterback prospects, including Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward, have opted out of throwing at the event, choosing instead to showcase their skills during their respective Pro Days. citeturn0search0

Milroe’s choice to engage in the Combine’s throwing sessions is a strategic effort to bolster his draft stock, which has experienced fluctuations following a challenging redshirt junior season and a less-than-stellar performance at the Senior Bowl. During his final collegiate season, Milroe’s touchdown passes decreased from 23 to 16, and he recorded a career-high 11 interceptions, contributing to Alabama’s most disappointing season since 2007. citeturn0search2

Analysts have emphasized the significance of Milroe’s upcoming performance in Indianapolis. Mike Renner of CBS Sports noted that Milroe “may be the only quarterback that works out, and he needs to put up numbers to sell teams on his upside.” This sentiment underscores the pressure on Milroe to demonstrate his capabilities in a live setting, especially given the decisions of his peers to abstain from Combine drills. citeturn0search2

A noteworthy aspect of Milroe’s physical profile is his hand size. At the Senior Bowl, his hands measured 8 3/4 inches, positioning him among quarterbacks with smaller hand sizes in recent years. For context, New Orleans Saints’ Taysom Hill shares this measurement, while Philadelphia Eagles’ Kenny Pickett’s hands measured slightly smaller at 8 1/2 inches during the 2022 Combine. While hand size is a debated metric in evaluating quarterback potential, it remains a point of interest for scouts and analysts alike. citeturn0search5

Beyond the throwing drills, there is considerable anticipation regarding Milroe’s potential participation in the 40-yard dash. Known for his exceptional athleticism, Milroe has the capability to post impressive times, potentially enhancing his appeal to NFL teams seeking a dual-threat quarterback. However, as of now, Milroe remains undecided about running the 40-yard dash at the Combine. citeturn0search0

The broader quarterback landscape for the 2025 NFL Draft adds context to Milroe’s situation. With top prospects like Sanders and Ward abstaining from Combine drills, Milroe’s active participation offers him a unique platform to distinguish himself. A strong performance could elevate his standing among second-tier quarterbacks, potentially positioning him as a viable candidate for teams seeking talent beyond the first round. citeturn0search0

In summary, Jalen Milroe’s commitment to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine’s throwing drills reflects a calculated effort to address concerns and showcase his potential to NFL franchises. His performance in Indianapolis will be pivotal in determining his draft trajectory, especially in a year where the quarterback class presents a blend of uncertainty and opportunity.