In a move brimming with both nostalgia and calculated risk, the Seattle Seahawks selected Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe with the 92nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a headline-grabbing decision not only because of Milroe’s electrifying talent, but because of its symbolic echo: the last quarterback the Seahawks took in the third round was Russell Wilson, a name etched permanently into franchise lore.
Wilson, selected with the 75th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, helped transform the Seahawks into perennial contenders and led them to a Super Bowl victory during his decade-long tenure. Now, 13 years later, Seattle has once again dipped into the third round hoping lightning might strike twice—with a quarterback from a college football powerhouse.
Let’s explore the storylines, expectations, and implications surrounding Seattle’s bold move to draft Jalen Milroe.
A Dynamic Talent from Tuscaloosa
Milroe is no stranger to the spotlight. After stepping into the starting role at Alabama, he showcased elite athleticism, a cannon of an arm, and flashes of dual-threat brilliance that drew comparisons to former college stars like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson. While not always the most polished passer, Milroe steadily improved during his time under head coach Kalen DeBoer, particularly in pocket presence and decision-making.
In the 2024 season, Milroe led Alabama to the College Football Playoff semifinals, finishing with over 3,200 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions, while rushing for nearly 800 yards and 11 additional scores. His ability to break games open with his legs made him a constant headache for opposing defensive coordinators.
What stood out to scouts, however, wasn’t just the athleticism—it was Milroe’s mental toughness and growth over the past two years. After being benched early in the 2023 season, Milroe responded with poise, returned stronger, and never looked back. That perseverance resonated with NFL teams, particularly one like Seattle that values grit and leadership.
The Shadow of Russell Wilson
When the Seahawks selected Wilson in 2012, the pick raised eyebrows. Then-head coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider had just signed Matt Flynn in free agency, yet they believed enough in the undersized but ultra-competitive Wisconsin quarterback to take a chance in the third round.
Wilson’s rapid rise to stardom—including a Super Bowl win in just his second season—turned that gamble into one of the best draft decisions of the decade.
Now, Seattle is hoping for another late-day steal.
Milroe and Wilson share some common threads. Both were doubted as complete quarterbacks coming out of college. Both faced pressure to perform immediately. And both bring a swagger that demands attention. But there are key differences, too. Milroe is taller (6’2”), faster, and more physically imposing than Wilson was. He’s more of a raw product, but in today’s NFL that increasingly embraces mobility and improvisation, Milroe’s upside might be even higher.
Geno Smith’s Successor?
The selection of Milroe raises immediate questions about the future of Geno Smith. The 2022 NFL Comeback Player of the Year has been solid under center, but at age 34 and with only a year left on his current contract, he’s no longer the long-term answer.
The Seahawks have Sam Howell, acquired via trade from Washington, as a young backup option, but the decision to draft Milroe clearly signals a desire to bring in new blood with a higher ceiling. While head coach Mike Macdonald—in his first year after replacing Carroll—hasn’t declared an open quarterback competition, Milroe’s arrival will certainly shake up the depth chart.
The likely scenario? Geno starts in 2025, but Milroe gets developmental reps, with the goal of taking over in 2026.
Still, don’t rule out a more aggressive timeline if Milroe impresses early. His game-breaking ability might be hard to keep off the field if Seattle struggles offensively.
Fit in Seattle’s New System
Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who followed Macdonald from the college ranks, is expected to bring a modern, aggressive attack to the Pacific Northwest. Grubb, who coordinated some of the most explosive offenses in recent college football memory at Washington, thrives on creativity, tempo, and leveraging a quarterback’s full skillset.
That makes Milroe a tantalizing fit.
Imagine designed QB runs, RPOs, and vertical passing concepts that force defenses to account for every inch of the field. Milroe’s arm strength can stretch defenses, while his running ability can turn broken plays into 30-yard gains. Grubb’s system is built to maximize exactly that kind of versatility.
There will be a learning curve. Milroe will need to master pre-snap reads and develop touch on intermediate throws. But if nurtured correctly, he could flourish in a system that doesn’t try to box him into being a traditional pocket passer.
The Quarterback Room
With Milroe’s arrival, Seattle’s quarterback room is now one of the more intriguing in the league:
- Geno Smith: The savvy veteran who has earned respect but must now fend off youth.
- Sam Howell: A former fifth-rounder with upside, acquired as insurance.
- Jalen Milroe: The rookie with the highest ceiling and the most to prove.
The dynamic resembles what other teams like the Philadelphia Eagles or Baltimore Ravens once had—multiple dual-threat QBs who can run variations of the same offense. Expect Grubb to install a quarterback-friendly system that caters to the strengths of all three.
This kind of redundancy and flexibility is becoming the new norm in the NFL. And it could be Seattle’s secret weapon.
The Development Timeline
Seattle’s plan for Milroe will likely mirror what successful franchises have done with raw but talented QBs:
- Year 1: Learn, absorb, and get situational reps.
- Year 2: Compete for the starting job.
- Year 3: Take full control of the offense.
Of course, plans can change quickly—especially in the NFL. Injuries, poor team performance, or a stellar training camp could accelerate Milroe’s rise. But there’s little doubt the Seahawks want to give him time. That’s something not every rookie quarterback gets, and it could make all the difference.
Reaction Around the League
Drafting Milroe in the third round surprised some analysts, many of whom projected him as a fourth-rounder due to inconsistencies in his passing mechanics. But others saw this as a classic Seahawks move—a high-upside swing on a player who might just need the right fit.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called the pick “sneaky brilliant,” while ESPN’s Louis Riddick said Milroe has the “potential to be one of the three best QBs in this class if developed correctly.”
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, speaking after the draft, praised Milroe’s work ethic and growth. “He’s ready for the next step. The kid is built for this. Seattle’s getting a winner.”
Milroe Speaks
In his first remarks as a Seahawk, Milroe struck a humble yet confident tone.
“Man, I’m just blessed,” he said. “It’s a dream come true. I’m thankful for the opportunity, and I’m ready to get to work. Seattle feels like the right place—the fans, the history, the chance to compete.”
When asked about being the first Seahawks QB drafted in the third round since Russell Wilson, Milroe smiled.
“Big shoes, no doubt. But I’m not trying to be anybody else. I’m trying to be the best version of Jalen Milroe.”
What’s Next?
The Seahawks are in a state of transition—a new coach, a new offense, and now a new quarterback in waiting. But there’s also a sense of continuity in their approach: build through the draft, trust your evaluations, and embrace bold decisions.
Milroe might not start immediately. He might have growing pains. But the Seahawks didn’t draft him just for today—they drafted him because they believe in what he could be tomorrow.
And if history has taught us anything, it’s that third-round quarterbacks in Seattle sometimes become legends.
Final Word: Betting on Potential
Drafting quarterbacks is never a sure thing. But Jalen Milroe is more than just a project—he’s a playmaker, a leader, and a competitor. In a league that increasingly rewards dynamic, athletic quarterbacks, Seattle may have just secured the most exciting player of the 2025 draft, all while invoking memories of the last time they rolled the dice in Round 3.