Mel Kiper: Cam Ward, Jalen Milroe ‘Firmly’ Among 1st-Round QBs for 2025 NFL Draft

Zach BacharContributor ISeptember 30, 2024

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ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. is confident in the 2025 NFL draft range for Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Alabama signal-caller Jalen Milroe.

Kiper believes that Ward and Milroe are both “firmly” in the discussion as first-round draft picks and has been especially impressed with the Crimson Tide passer.

“He’s physical and tough, with a rock-solid 6-foot-2, 225-pound frame,” Kiper wrote about Milroe. “He shows strong accuracy on deep throws, averaging 11.3 yards per attempt this season. He’s a dynamic player who can beat defenses with his underrated speed, even when he has to deal with Georgia’s talented defensive playmakers.”

“Nothing fazes him and he can make all the throws,” he added.

Milroe thrived during Alabama’s 41-34 win over Georgia on Saturday, finishing 27-of-33 for 374 yards and two touchdowns as well as an interception. He also added 117 yards and two more scores on the ground.

SportsCenter @SportsCenterABSOLUTE SCENES IN TUSCALOOSA!!!

RYAN WILLIAMS WITH A 75-YARD TD TO RETAKE THE LEAD! pic.twitter.com/pvc9ML7E7G

Ward has been extremely impressive to start the season, as his 18 touchdown passes are the most among all players in the country. He’s been picked off just four times, completing 70.2 percent of his throws for 1,782 yards.

ESPN @espnABSOLUTELY UNREAL SEQUENCE FROM CAM WARD 🤯 pic.twitter.com/FyIy5cPnwJ

The 22-year-old has also made plays with his legs, racking up 146 rush yards and two touchdowns on 22 attempts.

With both quarterbacks attempting to lead their respective teams to College Football Playoff appearances, their draft stock will continue to rise if they maintain their current level of production throughout the remainder of the year.