Grading Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson for the 2024 Alabama Quarterback Performance
The University of Alabama has long been a hotbed for elite quarterback talent, and heading into the 2024 season, two quarterbacks—Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson—emerged as key figures in the Crimson Tide’s offensive plans. Each player brought distinct qualities to the table, with Milroe featuring a more dynamic, dual-threat game, while Simpson represented a more traditional pocket passer. The NFL scouts are undoubtedly watching closely, and both players are under the microscope as potential future stars in the league.
In this breakdown, I’ll evaluate both Milroe and Simpson based on their 2024 performances, their skill sets, and potential for NFL success, grading them on a 1,000-point scale with attention to several core attributes: arm strength, accuracy, decision-making, mobility, poise, leadership, and NFL readiness.
Jalen Milroe – Performance Overview (2024 Season)
Strengths:
- Athleticism and Mobility (Score: 280/300)
Jalen Milroe’s greatest asset is his dynamic athleticism. A true dual-threat quarterback, he combines excellent speed, burst, and power as a runner. His ability to make plays with his legs is a game-changer, especially in college football, where mobile quarterbacks are increasingly becoming weapons. Milroe’s rushing ability allows him to escape pressure and extend plays, which is a critical skill for an NFL quarterback, especially in a league that is placing more value on mobile quarterbacks. In the 2024 season, Milroe consistently put pressure on opposing defenses with his legs, rushing for 100+ yards in several games. - Arm Strength (Score: 230/250)
Milroe possesses elite arm strength. His deep ball can travel 60+ yards with velocity, and he can throw the ball through tight windows. Whether on a deep post, a go route, or a sideline pass, Milroe’s arm strength gives him the ability to stretch the field. His throws have zip on them, making him a dangerous threat in the vertical passing game. However, there were instances where his deep ball accuracy didn’t match his arm strength, leaving some opportunities on the field. - Leadership and Moxie (Score: 130/150)
Milroe’s leadership skills shine both on and off the field. He is a vocal leader in the huddle, exuding confidence and control in high-pressure moments. His composure in big games, like Alabama’s key matchups in the SEC, demonstrated his ability to manage game flow and instill confidence in his teammates. He led Alabama to multiple come-from-behind victories in 2024, showing resilience and determination. - Decision-Making and Pocket Awareness (Score: 160/200)
Milroe has made significant strides in his decision-making over the course of the 2024 season, but this remains an area where NFL scouts will be looking for more growth. While his ability to escape pressure is excellent, there were times when he would rely too much on his legs, leading to missed opportunities downfield. He must improve his situational awareness in the pocket and learn to read defenses more quickly to ensure he’s not forcing plays or taking unnecessary sacks.
Areas for Improvement:
- Consistency and Accuracy (Score: 100/150)
Milroe’s biggest weakness lies in his accuracy, particularly on intermediate throws. He often struggles with touch passes and is prone to erratic throws, especially on timing routes. While his deep ball can be a weapon, shorter and mid-range throws—critical for the NFL—are more inconsistent. In 2024, Milroe showed flashes of improvement, but to succeed at the next level, he must be more consistent with his mechanics, leading to a more accurate passing game. - Read Progressions (Score: 60/100)
Milroe’s ability to go through his progressions is still a work in progress. He often locks onto his first read, and while his athleticism can mask this deficiency in college, it would not hold up as well in the NFL. He needs to refine his ability to quickly process what the defense is doing, make quick reads, and adjust accordingly.
Ty Simpson – Performance Overview (2024 Season)
Strengths:
- Arm Strength and Accuracy (Score: 240/250)
Ty Simpson’s arm is one of his most notable assets. He throws a tight spiral with impressive velocity, whether it’s a 10-yard out, a deep ball, or a seam route. His mechanics are smooth, and he has a natural feel for making throws to all areas of the field. In the 2024 season, Simpson demonstrated excellent accuracy on a variety of passes, especially on quick-release throws and intermediate routes. His ability to place the ball with precision, even in tight windows, is a skill that will transition well to the NFL. - Football IQ and Decision-Making (Score: 210/250)
Simpson’s understanding of the game and ability to process defensive coverages is one of his most advanced traits. His decision-making is steady, and he rarely makes high-risk throws, preferring to take what the defense gives him. Simpson’s ability to read the defense pre-snap and go through his progressions is well above average for a quarterback at this stage in his career. He shows a quick release and has a natural feel for getting the ball out in rhythm, which will serve him well in the NFL where timing and accuracy are paramount. - Poise and Leadership (Score: 150/150)
Simpson is an outstanding leader, displaying maturity and calm under pressure. He doesn’t let the game speed overwhelm him, even in high-stress situations. As the season progressed, Simpson began to show an increasing level of confidence, especially in tough road games, and his ability to command the huddle and inspire trust from his teammates was evident. His leadership, combined with his high football IQ, sets him up to succeed as a professional.
Areas for Improvement:
- Mobility and Escapability (Score: 90/150)
While Simpson is an accomplished pocket passer, he lacks the kind of elite mobility that NFL teams are increasingly valuing. He’s not a threat as a runner the way Milroe is, and when pressured, Simpson can sometimes struggle to avoid sacks or extend plays. His ability to improvise and make plays with his legs will be the area he needs to improve most to succeed in the NFL, where pass rushers are faster and more relentless. This isn’t a deal-breaker for every quarterback, but in a league that values mobility, it’s an area to watch. - Pressure Handling (Score: 80/100)
Simpson’s pocket presence is solid, but under intense pressure, there were times when he struggled to stay calm. In college football, where defenses are less consistent, he might have had more time in the pocket than he will in the NFL. Being able to handle pressure and maintain composure, especially when the pocket collapses, will be essential as he transitions to the professional level.
Final Grading Summary
- Jalen Milroe (2024 Season):
Total Score: 820/1,000
Milroe is an exceptional athlete with remarkable potential. His mobility and arm strength give him a high ceiling, but his accuracy and decision-making still require significant refinement. If he can continue to develop as a passer and improve his consistency, he has the tools to be an elite NFL quarterback. He’s a high-risk, high-reward player with a lot of raw potential. - Ty Simpson (2024 Season):
Total Score: 890/1,000
Simpson is a polished passer with a strong arm, solid decision-making, and excellent football IQ. His leadership and poise set him apart, but his lack of elite mobility may hinder his ability to thrive in an NFL offense that values quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs. He’s a safer bet than Milroe and could find success as a traditional pocket passer, though his ceiling may be a bit lower.
Conclusion
Both Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson have the potential to succeed in the NFL, though they must continue to develop their games. Milroe is a raw, explosive talent with elite athleticism and arm strength but needs to improve his consistency and decision-making. Simpson, on the other hand, is a more polished passer with a high football IQ but lacks the mobility that could limit his ceiling. As they continue to evolve in 2024, both quarterbacks could be among the first to be drafted in 2025, with their development and performance in the second half of the season being critical to their future success.
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