Jalen Milroe is a Seattle Seahawk! Can I get a “Roll Tide?” Also, what are your thoughts on Jalen’s fit with Seattle? He will be backing up Sam Darnold.

Jalen Milroe is a Seattle Seahawk! Can I get a “Roll Tide?” Also, what are your thoughts on Jalen’s fit with Seattle? He will be backing up Sam Darnold.

Jalen Milroe burst onto the national stage as Alabama’s dynamic quarterback after taking over the starting role in 2023. He was a polarizing but undeniably electric player: a gifted dual-threat athlete with a cannon for an arm, elite speed, and a knack for making game-changing plays—both good and bad.

Milroe finished his college career as one of the more improved quarterbacks in recent memory. He grew from a raw, run-first athlete into a more complete quarterback capable of reading defenses, throwing with anticipation, and leading a high-powered offense. In his final season, he showed poise under pressure, greater touch on deep passes, and better decision-making. He was also a charismatic leader, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

Still, NFL scouts viewed him as a developmental prospect. His mechanics were inconsistent, and his pocket presence still needed work. But his upside is enormous, especially if placed in the right environment.

Seattle’s quarterback situation heading into 2025 is transitional. Geno Smith has moved on, and the Seahawks brought in veteran Sam Darnold, likely as a bridge or placeholder starter. Darnold is talented but has struggled with consistency throughout his career. At this point, he is more of a high-end backup or stopgap starter than a long-term solution.

Behind Darnold, there was a vacuum of long-term potential—until now. Drafting Milroe gives Seattle a clear project with upside who could eventually take over the reins.

New head coach Mike Macdonald, formerly the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, brings a culture rooted in toughness, discipline, and adaptability. Pairing Macdonald with a young, dynamic quarterback like Milroe hints at a long-term vision that may echo the Ravens’ blueprint for Lamar Jackson: build a smart, tailored offense that amplifies your quarterback’s unique strengths.

Seattle’s offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb—formerly of the Washington Huskies—is known for crafting explosive, vertical offenses with strong quarterback development under his belt (think Michael Penix Jr.). Grubb favors play-action, quick reads, and attacking deep when opportunities arise. This system could mesh very well with Milroe’s strengths:

• Deep Passing Ability: Milroe throws one of the prettiest deep balls in the class. His ability to hit receivers in stride downfield could thrive in Grubb’s scheme.

• Mobility: Bootlegs, designed runs, and off-schedule throws are all tools Milroe brings to the table. Grubb can build in flexibility to allow him to improvise when plays break down.

• Play Action & RPO: Milroe excelled in play-action at Alabama, freezing defenders with his legs and uncorking vertical throws. Seattle has the personnel to run similar concepts.

Seattle’s offense is not barren. With a strong trio of receivers—DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba—Milroe will have plenty of weapons once he gets a shot. Add in two promising young running backs, Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, and the offense could ease pressure on a young QB with a strong run game and play-action looks.

Additionally, Seattle’s offensive line has improved in recent years and should provide a better environment than some rookie quarterbacks face.

Milroe fits the Seahawks’ evolving culture. Under Pete Carroll, Seattle prioritized grit, competitiveness, and belief in player development. Macdonald continues that ethos, especially with a young roster built on potential and athleticism. Milroe brings infectious energy and a willingness to work—traits that resonate in a locker room.

Milroe entering the league behind Sam Darnold is actually a great setup for his development.

Milroe is not NFL-ready as a Day 1 starter, and that’s okay. Giving him a year—or more—to develop behind a veteran can help smooth out his rough edges. He can learn the offense, understand NFL defenses, refine his mechanics, and build rapport with teammates without being thrown into the fire.

Darnold’s presence gives the Seahawks breathing room. If Darnold performs well, Milroe can redshirt and grow. If Darnold falters, the team can see what they have in Milroe without high expectations.

Darnold’s career has been full of ups and downs, but he has experience across multiple systems and understands what it takes to survive in the league. His mentorship could be invaluable. He can help Milroe navigate the mental aspects of the position—something that often separates talented quarterbacks from successful ones.

Milroe’s biggest hurdle remains consistency. His accuracy still wavers, especially on short and intermediate throws. He occasionally holds the ball too long, hoping for the big play. NFL defenses will punish that more than college teams did.

Though improved, his pocket navigation and internal clock still need development. He often escaped clean pockets instead of stepping up, which can create unnecessary sacks or missed opportunities.

Footwork and throwing mechanics need polishing. He sometimes throws flat-footed or off-balance, which affects ball placement. These issues are coachable, but they require time and patience.

If developed properly, Jalen Milroe could become a star. His upside is arguably higher than most QBs in his class. He has rare athleticism, arm talent, and charisma. He’s already shown the ability to respond to adversity, having been benched early in the 2023 season before reclaiming his job and flourishing.

With the right coaching and system, Milroe could evolve into a dynamic, dual-threat quarterback who makes life miserable for defenses. Think Jalen Hurts or a more refined version of Malik Willis—someone who can beat you through the air and on the ground.

Seattle is betting on the long game here, and they should. Milroe doesn’t need to be perfect now—he just needs to keep progressing.