The Seattle Seahawks are no strangers to making impactful selections in the NFL Draft, especially when it comes to their quarterbacks. The last time they plucked a quarterback in the third round was back in 2012, and that turned out pretty well with Russell Wilson leading the charge for a decade. Now, the Seahawks are looking to strike gold again, this time with Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, whom they just selected 93rd overall. While the team also brought in Sam Darnold through free agency, there’s a powerful narrative unfolding that suggests Milroe’s time to shine as Seattle’s starting quarterback could arrive by 2025.
Jalen Milroe’s Rise: A Night to Remember
Milroe didn’t just tip his hat to the NFL on draft night; he turned heads with a jaw-dropping performance against Georgia on September 28, 2024. In that SEC showdown, he showcased his prowess, throwing for an impressive 374 yards and two touchdowns on 27-of-33 passing, while also racking up 117 rushing yards and two more touchdowns. If you’re looking for a dual-threat quarterback who can create magic like Lamar Jackson, Milroe could be exactly that — and he proved it under the intense spotlight of a highly competitive environment.
His stats for the 2024 season further underscore just how dynamic he can be: 726 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. Milroe wasn’t just a one-season wonder; throughout his two years as Alabama’s starting quarterback, he consistently completed over 64% of his passes and exceeded 2,834 passing yards in both seasons. His highlight reel from 2023, featuring 23 touchdowns against just six interceptions while averaging 10 yards per attempt, speaks volumes about his readiness.
In total, he wrapped up his Alabama career with 33 rushing touchdowns, with an impressive 32 coming in those last two seasons. His experience also shines through — he backed up Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young in 2021 and 2022 before stepping into the starting role. That kind of patient development can only bode well for his transition to the NFL. Notably, his leadership qualities were recognized when he became a two-time team captain and won the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the “academic Heisman,” in 2024.
A Perfect Fit for Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks provide an environment perfect for nurturing a talent like Milroe. Under the steady guidance of General Manager John Schneider, the Seahawks boast one of the most respected front offices in the league, showcasing a track record of success with nine playoff appearances over the last 13 seasons. Even after Wilson’s departure, the organization’s strength has shone through as they managed to field a competitive team. Geno Smith stepped in admirably, leading the Seahawks to back-to-back winning seasons and keeping the playoff hopes alive.
The hiring of head coach Mike Macdonald further solidifies the team’s direction. Coming from a successful stint as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Macdonald knows the pressures of optimizing the offense to lift the entirety of the squad. He understands firsthand how having a dynamic quarterback can transform a team’s potential, and Milroe could very well be that spark for Seattle.
With an exciting young offensive core led by standout receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, along with a formidable defense featuring a robust secondary and an effective pass rush, the Seahawks are poised to maintain their status as a contender in the NFC.
The Darnold Dilemma
While Sam Darnold has been brought in on a lucrative deal, there’s a palpable concern about how he will adapt to Seattle’s roster, especially compared to the array of weapons he had with the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold enjoyed a strong 2024 season in part due to having stars like Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson at his disposal. Without that level of support, it remains to be seen how he will fare in Seattle.
Milroe’s ceiling appears much higher than Darnold’s, which might explain why many believe we won’t have to wait long before Milroe takes over as the starting quarterback. We could see a familiar scenario play out, much like last year with rookie Drake Maye in New England, where Darnold might start the season and hand the keys to Milroe after a few games.
Either way, the trajectory is clear: Milroe has the potential to elevate the Seahawks to new heights, much like Wilson did a decade prior. Seattle’s investment in him is proving to be a savvy move, and if he continues to develop as expected, the Seahawks may find themselves very pleased with their decision to draft him.
