In a surprising move ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe has reportedly been invited to the green room—an exclusive space typically reserved for prospects expected to be selected in the first round. The news, first reported by respected draft analyst Dane Brugler, hasn’t yet been made official by the NFL, but it’s already stirring conversation about what it really means—and what it doesn’t.
A Shift in NFL Draft Green Room Policy
Historically, the NFL green room has been the stage for both dreams realized and painful moments of waiting, as the world watches. In the early 2000s, viewers witnessed players like Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers endure long, awkward waits as their names fell down draft boards. While these moments made for compelling TV, the league has shifted in recent years to minimize those uncomfortable experiences for young prospects.
In line with that shift, the NFL has become more selective with its invitations, aiming to extend them only to players with strong first-round projections. That’s what makes Milroe’s reported invitation so noteworthy—and confusing to some analysts. Despite a solid season, Milroe is not widely viewed as a guaranteed first-rounder. In fact, there’s a legitimate possibility he could slide into Day 2 or even Day 3 territory.
Cautionary Tales: When the Green Room Turns Cold
Milroe’s situation isn’t unprecedented. Malik Willis, Matt Corral, and Geno Smith were all invited to the green room in recent years, only to fall out of the first round. In some cases, they didn’t hear their name called until the third round. These examples underscore a key point: a green room invitation is not a draft guarantee. It may reflect optimism, buzz, or even strategy, but it doesn’t secure a spot on Day 1.
A Weak Quarterback Class?
Part of the intrigue around Milroe’s invite stems from broader uncertainty surrounding this year’s quarterback class. While most expect Cam Ward to go first overall, the rest of the QB landscape is murky. Names like Shedeur Sanders, Jackson Dart, Kyle McCord, and Quinn Ewers are all in the mix—but none have cemented first-round status.
NFL teams’ recent moves tell an interesting story as well. Many quarterback-needy teams have opted for veteran options rather than banking on rookie talent. The Giants signed both Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson. The Raiders traded for Geno Smith. The Jets added Justin Fields. Even the Saints chose to retain Derek Carr with a restructured contract. These decisions suggest that NFL front offices may not be sold on the depth or readiness of this year’s quarterback crop.
A Draft Year Like 2021—or 2024?
The current draft class invites comparison to previous years. In 2021, draft speculation heavily inflated the stock of several quarterbacks—Malik Willis, Sam Howell, and Desmond Ridder among them—only for most to fall well past the first round. Contrast that with 2024, when six quarterbacks went in the top 12 picks despite similar doubts early in the process.
So where does 2025 fall? Based on team behavior and insider sentiment, many experts lean toward this year being more like 2021: a few solid picks at the top, followed by uncertainty and caution.
Final Thoughts: What Milroe’s Invite Really Means
Jalen Milroe’s green room invitation may reflect belief in his potential—or it might be the result of draft buzz outpacing draft reality. It’s clear the NFL has taken a more thoughtful approach in recent years to avoid subjecting prospects to unnecessary embarrassment. That makes Milroe’s invitation all the more curious and intriguing.
If you’re asking seasoned NFL insiders, many predict just two quarterbacks will go in the first round this year, with a possible third sneaking in. Milroe may or may not be that third. Either way, his presence at the draft will be a storyline to watch, and a potential indicator of how the league views its next generation of signal callers.
