DeBoer Addresses Report of Alabama Transfer Exodus Had Milroe Stayed

Heading into the NFL Draft last week, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero stirred some conversation with his article featuring anonymous evaluations of this year’s quarterback prospects from league executives.

Jalen Milroe received significant attention for one of the critiques, where an unnamed AFC coordinator suggested that had Milroe returned to Alabama for another season, it could have triggered a mass exodus of the team’s returning skill players.

“He’s a 22 mph-on-the-ground guy,” the anonymous executive commented. “He’s got a fastball that’s not very accurate. He doesn’t know when to take it off the ball. We heard out of Alabama all the skill \[players] would’ve transferred if he came back.”

However, this hypothetical situation will remain unanswered, as Milroe was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks as the No. 92 overall pick in the third round on Friday.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer was asked about the report during an interview on Seattle radio station 93.3 KJR. While he didn’t fully dismiss the claims, he found them exaggerated.

“I’ve heard that same quote, and I think the word all is used,” DeBoer said. “Whenever absolutes are used like that, I kind of question it. I don’t think we would have lost all of our receivers for anything.”

DeBoer also pointed out that six wide receivers transferred during the winter portal, even with Milroe declaring for the draft. He praised Milroe’s leadership and work ethic, noting that the quarterback worked hard to unite his teammates.

Milroe finished his final season at Alabama completing 64.3% of his passes for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while also rushing for 726 yards and 20 touchdowns. Despite his early success, his passing production dipped toward the end of the season.

When asked about Milroe’s struggles late in the year and his potential for improvement at the next level, DeBoer emphasized that there were several areas for Milroe to continue developing. He suggested that Milroe could benefit from more pro-style elements, such as pocket movement and under-center plays, to complement his already impressive downfield throwing ability.

DeBoer also acknowledged the challenges Milroe faced due to two different offensive coordinators and a rotating group of receivers over the past two seasons, suggesting that consistency in a stable system would help his development moving forward.