MOBILE, Ala. – As QB Jalen Milroe sat at the podium during the week of the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl, one common theme ran through his press conference – his growth in knowledge.
He views knowledge as the top area in which he can round out his game, as well as one that has developed over his four years at Alabama. He's continued to be a sponge and soak up information from coaches and those around him as he pursues the next level of his football career.
One of those people Milroe gained an ample amount of knowledge from is from Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. When Milroe stepped into the starting role at quarterback in 2023, Rees was also in his first season as the offensive coordinator for Alabama. Over the course of their one season together, Milroe said Rees gave him an opportunity to expand his knowledge in the game of football.
"For me, the amount of knowledge that I learned from him – No. 1, him playing the position; No. 2 with him coaching, I've gained so much knowledge and respect," Milroe said. "And the best thing about it, we worked together through that process. And it was so fun just from the start of the season to the end of the season, the growth and everything that comes with it that was all the work in the dark. That we were able to achieve, able to see as a group when we were working together."
In 2023, Milroe completed 187 of 284 passing attempts for 2,834 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also threw just six interceptions over the course of 13 games. He added 161 carries for 531 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.
Rees was only at Alabama for one season, as he became the tight ends coach/pass game specialist for the Browns in 2024. In January, Rees was named the Browns new offensive coordinator. But even in that lone season together, Milroe said he learned invaluable lessons as they both stepped into new roles together.
"I have so much respect for Coach Rees," Milroe said. "So much respect for him as a person as well, just being able to build relationship with him in my time in college. Although it was a short period of time, I learned so much. I appreciate him because as a first-year starter, being able to learn each and every game week under him was amazing. So, I definitely appreciate the grind and all that was put into that season."
And Rees echoed the same sentiment for Milroe. During his introductory press conference as the offensive coordinator, Rees highlighted his relationship with Milroe during the 2023 season.
"As a person, I have a lot of love for Jalen, a lot of respect for Jalen," Rees said on Jan. 23. "Obviously, we went through an entire season together and when you're the play caller and the quarterback, there's a great relationship there. I have a lot of love for Jalen as the man he is and wish him all the best."
Milroe started his last two seasons at Alabama, but highlighted how the mental reps over the course of four seasons – as well as physical reps in practice and games – has allowed him to grow. He watched Bryce Young have success in his two season and Alabama – including leading the Crimson Tide to the SEC championship as well as winning the Heisman Trophy – which not only encouraged him but also allowed him to grow mentally.
The American and National teams each held their second of three practices on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in preparation for the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl on Feb.1.
Now, Milroe continues his preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft. He officially declared for the draft on Jan. 2 and participated in the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl as one of the first stops in the draft process. Over the course of the three practices, Milroe improved and showcased his skillset in the pocket and his arm strength.
While he struggled some with his accuracy and was not able to connect with receivers and pass catchers during different periods, he did throw a ball at 75.4 mph on the first day – which was the fastest initial air speed for the American team.
On Day 2, Milroe showed some improvement and connected with his receivers throughout the different team periods. He displayed his arm strength, as he threw a deep ball to Florida WR Chimere Dike in 1-on-1 drills and another to TCU WR Jack Bech in 11-on-11s in tight coverage.
The Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft, and a total of nine picks. They are also in search of a quarterback. Executive Vice President of Football Operations and General Manager Andrew Berry said they were using the Senior Bowl practices as an opportunity to see players, like Milroe, up close as part of their draft preparation.
"Jalen, we obviously have a lot of familiarity with Tommy from a personal level," Berry said to a small group of local reporters. "From a physical level, there's really nothing that he can't do. High level athlete, really strong arm. He has been really a bit of a self-made man in terms of developing from the pocket throughout his Alabama career. I think it's hard not to envision some of the things he'll be able to do at the NFL level when you watch Sunday and see some of these dual threat guys. So, he's got immense potential. He's a really hard worker. So interested to see what he does this week."
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