2025 NFL Draft: Mel Kiper claims another "Lamar Jackson" prospect could make waves in first round

Lamar Jackson has been a one-of-a-kind quarterback in the NFL since he joined the league in 2018. Since then, few have managed to match his style blow for blow. However, the league might have a true contender for that mantle on the way. Speaking on Tuesday's edition of "Get Up," NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. placed Alabama's Jalen Milroe near the top of the wishlist when he turns pro.

"[1:47] Jalen Milroe to me right now is in the mix to be certainly QB1, and be a top 10 pick overall, and maybe even higher than that by the time we get to late April," Kiper said.

"[2:39] You see Lamar Jackson out there doing the exact same thing. I watched him with the Baltimore Ravens just toying with defenders. ... Jalen Milroe slips and slides in the pocket. When he needs to run, he does."

Jalen Milroe is in his fourth year in college. Unlike many prospects these days, he has spent his entire career with one school. The Alabama QB has put forth a solid touchdown-interception ratio in 2023, as well as this season with 33 throwing touchdowns and seven interceptions in 17 games.

However, the true separator is 20 total touchdowns on the ground in that span, with eight coming in his last four games.

Jalen Milroe's impressive production still chasing Lamar Jackson's college bar

Lamar Jackson at Buffalo Bills v Baltimore Ravens - Source: Getty

While Milroe's production is impressive, it still leaves some space between him and Jackson's precedent. Jackson played college football for just three years and in his final two seasons, he threw for 57 touchdowns and 19 interceptions. On the ground, he rushed for 39 touchdowns and almost 3,200 yards.

Milroe's rushing in 2023 and so far this season is just roughly 700 yards. That said, while Milroe has proven that he can move on the ground, he still has a lot of catching up to do to reach Jackson's numbers.

At least, that appears to be the case on paper. With Lamar Jackson drafted with the final pick in the first round, Milroe has a shot at getting picked earlier than him if he can keep his status as a top QB prospect.

With still potentially about a dozen games left for Milroe, his draft stock could go in different directions. Will Milroe emerge as a key talking point after the Super Bowl concludes in mid-February?