The Biggest QB Gamble in NFL History: AFC North Team Considering Jalen Milroe Despite All Odds
Private quarterback coach Jordan Palmer has trained multiple stars, including Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. He believes Alabama QB Jalen Milroe could be his next star student.
In a piece published Tuesday, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported Palmer is coaching Milroe before the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 24-26 in Green Bay.
Palmer suggested the Cleveland Browns consider taking Milroe (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) with the No. 2 pick and compared him to Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (6-foot-2, 205 pounds).
“The difference is that Jalen’s got 20 pounds on [Jackson],” Palmer said, per Cabot. “This guy’s a little bit faster, a little bit bigger, but they’re comparable at this evaluation stage. And Jackson’s probably going to win his third MVP. The guy they’re comparing him to is not just good. He’s literally one of the best players in the entire world. In fact, two or three times now, he’s been the No. 1 player in the world.”
Still, it’s hard to buy Palmer’s comparison. In three seasons as Louisville’s starter, Jackson had 119 touchdowns (69 passing and 50 rushing). In two seasons as Alabama’s starter, Milroe had 71 TDs (39 passing and 32 rushing). Keep in mind the Alabama QB also had a much stronger supporting cast.
In a recent scouting report, Bleacher Report’s Dame Parson graded Milroe as a third-rounder and ranked him as the No. 5 QB in the class. Although Jackson wasn’t considered the best QB prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Ravens selected him with pick No. 32 in the first round.
However, Palmer has an exceptional eye for talent. Along with Allen, he has trained Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow.
The Browns must pay close attention to Milroe at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET on NFL Network. This should help Cleveland decide whether to listen to or ignore Palmer.
