Two of Alabama’s most prominent players — quarterback Jalen Milroe and linebacker Jihaad Campbell — declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Thursday.
The players announced their decisions on their respective social media accounts. Milroe, a two-time team captain, leaves Alabama with a career 20-5 record and an SEC championship. The dual-threat QB recorded 6,015 passing yards and 78 total touchdowns (45 passing, 33 rushing) over his career.
Campbell was a breakout star player for the Crimson Tide in 2024, recording 119 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles en route to All-SEC first-team honors. A five-star outside linebacker in high school, Campbell transitioned to inside linebacker at Alabama. His versatility and 2024 production propelled Campbell to high draft acclaim — He was a projected first-round pick in The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s December mock draft.
Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell officially declares for the 2025 NFL Draft.
He has 1st round tape and traits. Easy player to like. pic.twitter.com/Sz9HGL0W0R
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) January 2, 2025
How does Milroe rate as a draft prospect?
Now this one is interesting.
At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Milroe might be the most physically gifted quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His burst, explosion and good old-fashioned speed give him the potential to be a souped-up version of Jalen Hurts. Milroe’s impact on an NFL run game, when ready, could be as big or bigger than what we’ve seen from Jayden Daniels.
However, and this is big: Milroe’s simply not ready to run an NFL offense right now. With Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders (and maybe even with Penn State’s Drew Allar), you can squint and see a scenario in which it works out OK for them as starters next year, if need be. You can’t reasonably do that today with Milroe.
Another year in college would’ve helped him. Same time, there are at least three QB-desperate NFL teams with what should be top-10 picks, so Milroe is truly betting on himself.
Every QB in this class needs time. Milroe might need the most. His footwork is bad, he’s not an accurate passer by any measurement, and his confidence as a processor — as we saw vs. Michigan in the ReliaQuest Bowl — is low. Milroe absolutely has first-round talent, but he’s a complete wild card right now. Teams interested in him not only have to do all of their homework, but they must make sure they have a long-term plan that doesn’t involve immediately starting him. — Nick Baumgardner, NFL Draft writer
What do Milroe and Campbell’s departures mean for Alabama?
The draft decisions were expected but leave holes at two premier positions on Alabama’s 2025 team.
At quarterback, it will be a three-man race between rising junior Ty Simpson, rising sophomore Austin Mack and incoming freshman Keelon Russell, a unanimous five-star recruit. Simpson, a two-year backup to Milroe, enters the offseason as the early favorite.
As it stands now, inside linebacker is in a pretty healthy position for the Crimson Tide. Alabama signed Colorado linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green, an All-Big 12 selection, from the transfer portal, and expects senior Justin Jefferson back in 2025 after the recent ruling that allows extra eligibility for former junior college players. Junior Deontae Lawson, a starter who suffered a season-ending injury, has yet to make his NFL decision. — Kennington Smith III, Alabama beat writer
Required reading
(Photo: Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images)
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