Detroit Lions Meet with QB Jalen Milroe at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine: A Glimpse into the Future

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, an essential event for NFL teams to evaluate potential draft picks, kicked off with an influx of talented players looking to showcase their skills. Among them was Jalen Milroe, a standout quarterback from the University of Alabama, whose athleticism and deep-ball accuracy have drawn significant attention from NFL teams. One of the teams in attendance was the Detroit Lions, who met with Milroe during the event, sparking interest around the potential fit between the young quarterback and the Lions’ organization.

Jalen Milroe: A Talented Yet Unrefined Prospect

Jalen Milroe is an intriguing quarterback prospect entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 225 pounds, Milroe combines impressive physical tools with a strong arm, making him an exciting prospect for teams looking to develop a quarterback for the future. During his time at Alabama, Milroe showcased his potential by leading the Crimson Tide to an SEC Championship and finishing in the top ten of the Heisman Trophy voting in 2023.

One of Milroe’s defining attributes is his deep-ball accuracy. Over the course of his college career, he displayed remarkable proficiency in throwing deep passes. In fact, his deep-ball passing grade was among the best in his draft class, with Pro Football Focus (PFF) awarding him a 95.8 grade on throws over 40 yards. This ability to make explosive plays downfield is a coveted trait in today’s NFL, where big plays often dictate the outcome of games.

However, Milroe is not without his flaws. One of the main areas of concern is his accuracy on intermediate throws, particularly in the 5-20 yard range. According to PFF, Milroe had an uncatchable pass rate of 30.1% in this range, ranking fourth among draft-eligible quarterbacks. This lack of consistency in his passing mechanics has raised questions about his readiness to succeed at the professional level, particularly for teams who rely on efficient passing attacks.

Detroit Lions’ Interest in Milroe: A Long-Term Play?

The Detroit Lions, led by head coach Dan Campbell, are in an intriguing position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. After a successful season in 2024, the Lions have found themselves as legitimate contenders in the NFC, and quarterback Jared Goff remains an important piece of their plans moving forward. Goff, who has been a stabilizing force for the Lions since his arrival in 2021, recently signed an extension that will keep him with the team through 2028.

Despite Goff’s long-term contract, the Lions have taken a keen interest in potential quarterback prospects, and Jalen Milroe is one of those players they have been closely evaluating. While Milroe may not be an immediate solution for the Lions, the team sees value in meeting with him at the Combine, signaling that they are considering him as a potential future option.

Milroe himself expressed enthusiasm about the possibility of joining the Lions, citing his close friendship with Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, whom he has known since their time together at Alabama. In an interview, Milroe mentioned, “Terrion’s my best friend. He’s my guy to this day,” adding that the idea of playing alongside Arnold in Detroit would be exciting.

While the Lions do not have a pressing need for a quarterback, meeting with Milroe at the Combine is part of a broader strategy to scout potential future talent, should the team decide to invest in a quarterback in the upcoming draft. The Lions are known for their forward-thinking approach, and securing a promising young quarterback who could develop behind Goff would align with their long-term vision. Milroe’s physical tools and upside as a developmental quarterback fit the mold of what the Lions may be looking for as they build a sustainable, competitive roster for years to come.

What the Lions Are Looking For in Quarterbacks

Although the Lions are not in immediate need of a quarterback, their scouting efforts at the Combine highlight the importance of evaluating all available options. Teams often use the Combine to look ahead, assessing potential players who could be developed into key contributors down the line. For the Lions, key aspects of a quarterback’s skill set will be crucial as they continue to build a team with championship aspirations.

When evaluating quarterbacks, NFL teams focus on several factors. One of the primary attributes is accuracy—both on short and long throws. Milroe’s ability to make deep throws with precision is a strength, but his consistency on intermediate passes will be something teams monitor closely. In addition to passing accuracy, teams also look at a quarterback’s footwork, balance, and decision-making under pressure, all of which contribute to a player’s ability to succeed at the next level.

For the Lions, the evaluation of quarterbacks like Milroe is about more than just the here and now. It’s about finding a player who can sit behind Goff, learn the ropes, and potentially take over the starting role in the future. This would allow the Lions to secure a reliable backup while also developing a talented quarterback who could one day lead the franchise.

The Road Ahead for Jalen Milroe

Milroe’s path to the NFL is still uncertain, but his performance at the Scouting Combine will play a significant role in determining his draft stock. For Milroe, the Combine represents an opportunity to refine his mechanics, answer questions about his accuracy, and prove that he can make the transition to the professional level. His athleticism and big-play ability are undeniable, but his ability to consistently make all the throws necessary to succeed in the NFL will be the ultimate test.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Milroe will be closely watched by a number of teams, including the Lions. While Detroit may not have an immediate need for a quarterback, the team’s interest in Milroe reflects the ongoing trend of NFL teams building for the future, even if that means drafting a quarterback to sit and develop behind a current starter.