Jalen Milroe’s Blazing Speed: A Pro Day Deep Dive

Jalen Milroe, the dynamic quarterback from Alabama, recently showcased his athleticism at the Crimson Tide’s pro day, and the buzz surrounding his performance centers on one key element: his remarkable speed. While he opted out of running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, Milroe’s pro day sprints provided scouts with a glimpse of his potential as a dual-threat quarterback, capable of making plays with both his arm and his legs.

The reporting surrounding Milroe’s 40-yard dash times has been varied, reflecting the inherent challenges in accurately timing these events, especially in a pro day setting where standardization isn’t always as rigid as at the Combine. However, despite the discrepancies, a clear narrative emerges: Jalen Milroe possesses exceptional speed for a quarterback, potentially placing him among the fastest players at his position in the NFL.

The Numbers Game: Dissecting Milroe’s 40-Yard Dash Times

Scouts at Alabama’s pro day recorded a range of times for Milroe’s two attempts at the 40-yard dash. On his first run, reported times fluctuated between 4.50 and 4.52 seconds. His second attempt appeared to be even faster, with times ranging from 4.37 to 4.45 seconds. It’s crucial to understand that these times are unofficial and subject to slight variations based on the timing equipment used and the individual reflexes of the scouts operating the stopwatches.

Several reports indicated that Milroe may have drifted slightly during his runs, suggesting that his times could have been even quicker had he maintained a perfectly straight trajectory. This observation highlights the fact that the 40-yard dash is not simply about raw speed; technique and efficiency also play crucial roles.

The SEC Network reported an aggregated "official" time of 4.40 seconds for Milroe’s 40-yard dash. While the term "official" should be approached with caution in the context of a pro day, this figure provides a useful benchmark for comparison. A 4.40-second 40-yard dash would indeed place Milroe in elite company among NFL quarterbacks.

Contextualizing Milroe’s Speed: How He Stacks Up

To fully appreciate the significance of Milroe’s speed, it’s essential to compare him to other quarterbacks who have demonstrated exceptional athleticism in the 40-yard dash.

Based on available data from the NFL Combine and various pro days, the list of fastest quarterbacks includes names like:

• Robert Griffin III
• Justin Fields
• Lamar Jackson
• Michael Vick

While the precise rankings can shift depending on the specific times used (and whether those times were recorded at the combine or a pro day), the general consensus is that these quarterbacks represent the upper echelon of athleticism at the position.

The reported times for Milroe suggest that he would be competitive with, or even faster than, some of these prominent names. A 4.40-second 40-yard dash, for instance, would likely place him ahead of Robert Griffin III and Justin Fields.

Beyond the 40: Milroe’s Speed in Game Situations

While the 40-yard dash provides a standardized measure of speed, it’s important to recognize that football speed is often more nuanced and dynamic. A player’s ability to accelerate, change direction, and maintain speed while evading defenders is crucial in a game setting.

Fortunately, there is data available that sheds light on Milroe’s speed during actual plays. According to Reel Analytics, Milroe reached a speed of 21.9 miles per hour during an option play against LSU in Week 11 of the college football season. This is an impressive figure that underscores his ability to translate his raw speed into game-changing plays.

To put this speed into perspective, NFL’s Next Gen Stats recorded only four ball-carriers with faster speeds during the entire 2024 season:

• KaVontae Turpin (kick return specialist)
• Brian Thomas Jr. (wide receiver)
• Jahmyr Gibbs (running back)
• Saquon Barkley (running back)

The fact that Milroe’s speed against LSU rivaled that of some of the NFL’s fastest players highlights his exceptional athleticism and potential to be a dynamic playmaker at the next level.

Implications for Milroe’s NFL Future

Jalen Milroe’s speed adds another dimension to his profile as an NFL prospect. In a league that increasingly values mobile quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs, Milroe’s athleticism is a significant asset.

His ability to run the ball effectively can:

• Keep defenses honest and prevent them from solely focusing on the passing game.
• Create opportunities for explosive plays, both on designed runs and scrambles.
• Extend drives and improve the team’s overall offensive efficiency.

However, it’s important to remember that speed is just one piece of the puzzle. To succeed in the NFL, Milroe will also need to continue developing his:

• Passing accuracy
• Decision-making skills
• Pocket presence
• Overall understanding of the game

Nevertheless, Milroe’s blazing speed provides him with a unique foundation upon which to build a successful NFL career. It’s a trait that will undoubtedly capture the attention of NFL teams and could potentially make him a valuable asset to any offense.

Conclusion: A Quarterback with Wheels

Jalen Milroe’s pro day performance, particularly his 40-yard dash attempts, has solidified his reputation as one of the fastest quarterbacks entering the NFL. While the exact times may be debated, the overall impression is clear: Milroe possesses exceptional speed that could make him a dynamic playmaker at the next level. As he continues to develop his other skills, his athleticism will undoubtedly be a major factor in shaping his NFL future. The league awaits to see how this quarterback with wheels will perform.