When the Seattle Seahawks made the call to draft Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe with the 92nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it sent a clear message: they are building for the future while still respecting their past. It was a move that brought equal parts excitement and reflection, particularly given the historic context. The last time Seattle selected a quarterback in the third round, it was none other than Russell Wilson in 2012—a player who changed the franchise forever. Now, in 2025, the Seahawks are hoping they’ve discovered a new spark in Milroe, a player whose journey to this point has been anything but conventional.
Jalen Milroe, standing 6-foot-2 and weighing in at a muscular 220 pounds, captivated college football fans throughout his Alabama career with electric dual-threat ability. With a cannon for an arm and the speed of a running back, Milroe embodied the modern evolution of the quarterback position. But he was more than just a highlight reel waiting to happen—he was a leader, a grinder, and a competitor forged in one of college football’s most pressure-filled environments.
Coming out of Katy, Texas, Milroe was highly touted, yet not the headline-grabbing five-star that others in his recruiting class were. He committed to the Crimson Tide with a chip on his shoulder and a point to prove. Sitting behind Bryce Young taught him patience, discipline, and how to operate inside one of the most demanding quarterback rooms in the country. When his moment came, Milroe seized it. The road wasn’t smooth—he was benched early in the 2023 season after a shaky performance—but he responded with resilience, improved steadily, and by season’s end, had evolved into one of the most dangerous and dynamic signal-callers in the nation.
Milroe finished his final year at Alabama with over 3,000 passing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and nearly 900 rushing yards with 12 additional scores on the ground. He showcased the kind of playmaking prowess that reminded evaluators of Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts, with a hint of Cam Newton in his physicality. The numbers didn’t tell the whole story. Milroe was often the heartbeat of Alabama’s offense, delivering in big moments—whether it was a game-winning touchdown against Auburn or keeping his team alive in the College Football Playoff. His ability to flip a game on a single play drew rave reviews from scouts, even as some questioned his pocket awareness and mechanics.
The Seahawks did their homework. While Geno Smith remains the starter and has performed admirably since taking over in the post-Wilson era, Seattle understands the importance of grooming a young quarterback. In today’s NFL, having a succession plan at the game’s most important position isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Milroe provides them with an incredibly high-ceiling developmental option. He’ll arrive in Seattle with no pressure to start immediately, giving him the runway to learn, adapt, and absorb the nuances of the pro game under the guidance of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and head coach Mike Macdonald.
Drafting Milroe in the third round also brings a fascinating symmetry. Russell Wilson, taken at No. 75 overall in 2012, was once overlooked due to his size and non-traditional style. He turned out to be one of the greatest draft steals in NFL history, winning a Super Bowl and appearing in another, while redefining what a quarterback under 6-foot can achieve. Milroe, while taller and more athletic in a straight-line sense, shares some of the same intangibles: leadership, a fierce work ethic, and the ability to rise in high-leverage situations.
The Seahawks’ quarterback room now becomes one of the more intriguing storylines to watch over the next year. Geno Smith is the established veteran. Sam Howell, acquired in a trade this offseason, brings starting experience and potential as a capable backup. Milroe enters as the future wildcard—raw, but brimming with potential. If he develops as the Seahawks hope, Milroe could one day take over the reins and usher in a new era of excitement and versatility in the Pacific Northwest.
It’s worth noting how much Seattle’s organizational culture may benefit Milroe. Alabama prepared him mentally and physically for life in the NFL, but Seattle’s locker room has been consistently praised for its unity, player-first mentality, and emphasis on development. With offensive pieces like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Kenneth Walker III, plus a revamped offensive line, the infrastructure is in place for Milroe to succeed when his number is called.
Milroe’s selection also comes at a moment when the league continues to trend toward mobile, multi-faceted quarterbacks. The days of the pocket statue are fading. Teams want players who can extend plays, make throws off-platform, and threaten defenses with both arm and legs. Milroe checks those boxes. What he needs is time. Time to refine his decision-making. Time to iron out inconsistencies in his footwork. Time to adjust to the speed of NFL defenses and the complexity of reading coverages.
The Seahawks are betting that they can provide that time. They’ve seen firsthand what patience and player development can yield. Russell Wilson didn’t take long to become a star, but even he was given the benefit of a run-heavy offense and an elite defense early on. If Seattle can offer Milroe even a fraction of that stability, the payoff could be enormous.
Critics of the pick might point to Milroe’s occasional lapses—turnovers in key situations, or misfires on intermediate routes. But those are teachable. What can’t be taught is his sheer athleticism, his flair for the spectacular, and his proven ability to lead a team through adversity. In the NFL Draft, third-round picks are often viewed as dart throws. Seattle just threw their dart at a player who has shown he can thrive under pressure and evolve in real-time.
Beyond the football fit, there’s a human story to Milroe’s journey. His rise has been powered by belief—belief in himself when others doubted, belief in his process during setbacks, and belief in the idea that he could one day play on Sundays. That belief has now been validated by a franchise that knows a thing or two about finding greatness outside of the first round.
The Russell Wilson comparison will hang over Milroe for a while. It’s unavoidable. But while their paths intersect in the round they were drafted, Milroe’s story will be his own. He’s not here to replace Wilson—he’s here to become Jalen Milroe, and perhaps, the next face of Seahawks football.
The fans in Seattle, known for their passion and loyalty, now have a new name to learn and a new player to watch. Training camp will bring highlights. Preseason will offer glimpses. But the real test will come down the road—when the Seahawks eventually hand over the keys to their offense. Whether it’s a year from now or three, they’re betting that Jalen Milroe will be ready.
For now, it’s a celebration of potential. With the 92nd pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Seahawks may have just taken their next quarterback of the future. Only time will tell how this story unfolds, but if Milroe’s past is any indication, he’s just getting started.
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