Jalen Milroe strongly dodges NFL questions before Michigan clash

Quarterback Jalen Milroe and the No. 11 Alabama Crimson Tide narrowly missed the 12-team College Football Playoff. As a result, they will compete in the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines on New Year's Eve.

With a national championship no longer possible, it would be understandable for Milroe to shift his focus to the upcoming NFL draft. He is part of a quarterback class that hasn't drawn rave reviews but Milroe's ability as a runner makes him valuable and could push a team to take him higher than expected. As a result, he was asked about his thoughts on the future at his media availability on Thursday.

"No, my thought my process right now is finishing this game out against Michigan. So, it is being the absolute best I can be for my teammates and coaches."

Milroe dodged the draft question, putting his focus on to the upcoming bowl game. He has had a strong season, completing 189 of 287 passing attempts for 2652 yards and 15 TDs, and rushing for 719 yards and 20 TDs on 152 carries.

Jalen Milroe could be one of the first quarterbacks drafted at the 2025 NFL draft

While the ReliaQuest Bowl is the focus of Jalen Milroe for now, he will soon shift to the 2025 NFL draft. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and Miami's Cam Ward are usually the first two quarterbacks drafted in mock drafts, but Milroe could be next off the board depending on how his predraft process goes.

Milroe has established himself as one of the best rushing quarterbacks of his class. He was an imposing dual threat this season. Additionally, he was an effective passer when he needed to be. A strong finish to the season in the bowl game against Michigan could provide Milroe with an important boost ahead of the NFL Combine and other predraft workouts.