Nick Saban might be in a suit and tie now. Sitting behind a studio desk instead of the usual sideline. But when your last career QB’s NFL future is hanging by a thread of uncertainty, you gotta step up for him one last time. You could say he’s done coaching, but when it comes to Jalen Milroe, he’s still calling plays in the court of public opinion.
With the 2025 NFL Draft just a day away, Jalen Milroe isn’t exactly a first-round lock. Fascinating, sure. A potential sleeper pick thanks to a resume filled with highlight-reel runs and deep bombs. But the shadow lurks with accuracy and passing consistency. And who better to vouch for him than the man who coached him through the fire? Well, he’s also facing the heat now for shielding the fire.
Nick Saban made his case for Jalen Milroe loud and clear in an X clip by NFL on ESPN on April 23. “I think the number one thing with Jalen Milroe is this guy adds an element to your offense that nobody else has in this draft,” the GOAT coach said. “This guy is a tremendous athlete. I love the guy as a competitor. He can make all the throws. He’s a very good deep ball thrower because he has a really strong arm. He made a significant amount of explosive plays.” And then he moved on to his biggest strength.
“I think the number one thing with Jalen Milroe is this guy adds an element to your offense that nobody else has in this draft.”
Nick Saban discusses why Jalen Milroe is a potential sleeper pick in the NFL draft pic.twitter.com/cniJOSk9ZY
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 23, 2025
Focusing on a highlight where he sprinted between defenders, Nick Saban said, “Here you see him beating people with his speed, and this is the fastest guy on the team and one of the most physical guys.” But yeah, he didn’t sugarcoat it all because he dropped the reality bomb immediately after that — “So I think if Jalen is going to develop in the NFL, he has to become a little more consistent as a passer.”
Giving a throwback to when Jalen Milroe succeeded Bryce Young in the 2023 season, Nick Saban admitted that he met with him every week to talk about eliminating bad plays. “Eliminate the negatives,” he added. “You make so many good plays, you eliminate those bad plays, you’re going to play at a high level for somebody.” Classic Saban. Compliment. Critique. Solution.
Jalen Milroe stats back the hype — 2,844 passing yards and 16 TDs while also rushing for 726 yards and 20 scores in 2024. Over two seasons in Tuscaloosa, he racked up a total of 5,678 yards and 39 TDs on air and 1,257 yards and 32 scores on the ground. Insane dual-threat numbers. But keyboard warriors aren’t buying Nick Saban’s endorsement.
Fans voice their raw opinions on Nick Saban’s bold take
The internet doesn’t hand out trophies for effort. And the takes are absolutely brutal. “This is a blatant lie,” one person posted under the clip. Ouch. And then the sarcasm kicked in. “Nobody else can run the football?” they taunted. Clearly, Nick Saban’s attempt to save Jalen Milroe’s draft stock is doing more harm than good.
Then there was a fan who couldn’t help but poke fun at Nick Saban’s delivery more than his QB’s game. “‘This guy’ lol he’s always in coach mode,” they commented. Yep, even in retirement, the GOAT hasn’t flipped the switch.
Another chimed in — “S/O to the GOAT but it’s telling how the only thing Milroe brings to a team is his athleticism they keep ignoring his glaring issues as a passer. Might as well convert him to a RB.” A harsh one, but not unheard of. One NFC scout even told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that “if (Milroe) were a running back, he’d be a top-of-the-second-round running back.”
To be fair, Jalen Milroe had some monster wins in 2024 against LSU and Georgia. But there were cracks too, and some Bama fans are still sore about what happened in the CFP semifinal game against Michigan in January 2024. “Why didn’t he call a pass or RPO on that 4th down against Michigan? Stop talking to us about this running back only suckas believe you.” Final play, fourth down, a clear shot to win. The snap went high, and Milroe had no shot at a pass or RPO. Forced to run. One yard. Turnover. Season over.
So yeah, Nick Saban’s riding for his guy. But the jury’s still out. Is Jalen Milroe a hidden gem or just another QB who can’t read a defense?
The post GOAT Nick Saban Takes the Heat After Bold Attempt to Save Jalen Milroe’s Fading 2025 NFL Draft Hopes appeared first on EssentiallySports.
