The Seahawks selected Jalen Milroe with pick No. 92, adding both a quarterback and a dynamic athlete to their offense.
"I knew going into this process, my ultimate goal was to hear my name called, and I was able to hear that today, so this is definitely a dream come true," Milroe said in a conference call after being selected. "The best thing about it is I was gathered with family throughout this whole process. It's definitely a unique journey for sure, not knowing where you'll go, but it's all about that right spot, and I know I'm in the right spot moving forward."
Asked why Seattle was the right spot, Milroe said, "It's the right spot because I know it's a community of people that believe in me, that's all in on me. I felt from the jump when I visited Seattle for my 30 visit, being around the coaching staff. It was a great vibe, so I just enjoyed my whole journey while I was there."
A two-year starter at Alabama, Milroe passed for 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 64.3 percent of his passes, and also rushed for a team-leading 726 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
Milroe, who ran a 4.40 second 40-yard dash at Alabama's pro day, averaged 15.2 yards per completion in 2023, which ranked seventh among FBS quarterbacks, threw 23 touchdowns passes against six interceptions, and was a finalist for the Manning Award (nation's top quarterback), while also leading the team with 12 rushing touchdowns.
Milroe also won the William V. Campbell Trophy last year, the award given to the nation's top scholar-athlete, an award commonly referred to as the Academic Heisman.
Milroe's rushing ability should give him a shot to make an immediate impact, particularly playing for an offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, who utilized a rushing quarterback in New Orleans in Taysom Hill. Though as Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald pointed out, that comparison isn't entirely accurate, because the Saints used Hill as a tight end and at other positions, while Milroe is, as Macdonald put it, a "quarterback through and through."
Asked about his role joining a team that already features three quarterbacks with significant starting experience in Sam Darnold, Drew Lock and Sam Howell, Milroe said. "I'm coming to learn, grow and bring nothing but positive vibes to the offense, fulfilling all that as a necessity in my role on the team. Of course once I get there, I'll understand my niche for sure, but I'm competing no matter what day it is, no matter how many reps I get. Competing for when that opportunity presents itself at the quarterback position."
While some projections had Milroe going as high as the first round, he isn't focused on where was selected, but rather on the situation he's in now, and the fact that he'll have an opportunity to prove himself in Seattle.
"Look, no matter where I was drafted, I still have to come in and prove myself and earn that trust and respect of guys in the locker room," Milroe said. "So it wasn't a necessity to hear my name called early. It didn't really matter to me, it was more hearing my name called, because I knew that team is all in on me, and they saw something in me that other teams didn't. It was all about opportunity. It didn't really matter when I was selected."
And whether he had heard his name called in the first round or at the end of the draft, Milroe was never going to doubt his abilities and what he can do at the next level.
"There's nothing I can't do on the football field," he said. "Are there things I can improve on? Absolutely. But there's nothing I can do on the football field. I've thrown every type of touchdown, stepped up in the pocket, thrown on the run, gone through my progressions, I've thrown a checkdown that scored, I've used my legs. When looking, pick and choose what you want on the field, I can do it. I say that humbly, not over-arrogant, it's just more knowing what I bring to the table and knowing that it's a different dynamic on the football field that I know I'm going to utilize in the NFL."
Milroe is just the third quarterback selected by Seattle in 16 drafts under general manager John Schneider, joining Russell Wilson in 2012 and Alex McGough in 2018.
Milroe is an explosive athlete who is very capable outside the pocket, but he lacks accuracy, touch and decision-making when he's inside the pocket. A lack of anticipation and timing leads to interceptions and contested throws to intermediate areas of the field. He has an NFL arm, but he might need to fine-tune his footwork and delivery to improve accuracy on all three levels. He can get through his reads when he's confident and feels protected but becomes predictable and easier for defenses to manipulate when he's rattled. He's built like a Will linebacker, runs like a receiver and is a threat to hit the home run on called runs and scrambles. Milroe was a much better deep-ball passer in 2023, but his 2024 regression makes it harder to project success from the pocket at a high enough rate to become a capable NFL starter. A strong arm and elite speed will have teams intrigued, but if he doesn't make it as a starter, it's incumbent upon his team to find a way to get the ball in his hands with packaged plays.
The Seahawks drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe with the 92nd overall pick in the 3rd round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Check out the best photos of Milroe throughout the years.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (2) smiles as he walks off the field with a win after an NCAA college football game against Southern Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during warmups before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) runs the ball against Arkansas during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) at an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates his touchdown run against Middle Tennessee with tight end CJ Dippre (81) during the first half an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) runs the ball in for a touchdown against Middle Tennessee during the first half an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) runs past Middle Tennessee linebacker Johnathan Butler (4) and defensive end Quindarius Dunnigan (97) during the second half an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up seconds before kickoff during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Texas, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Mississippi, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws the ball against Mississippi during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Mississippi linebacker Khari Coleman (23) is also pictured. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) lifts a fist as he celebrates a win over Mississippi after an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) readies for a handoff during warmups prior to an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Starkville, Miss. Alabama won 40-17. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) looks to pass downfield against Texas A&M during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) takes off on a running play against Tennessee during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) takes the field against Tennessee during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe warms up before an NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe throws the ball against LSU during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe scores a running touchdown against LSU during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) smiles during an interview with CBS reporter Jenny Dell after a win over LSU in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe looks to throw during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Michelle Haas Hutchins)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) runs the ball against Chattanooga during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama tight end CJ Dippre (81) is looking to block in the foreground. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe looks to throw a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) carries the ball against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates after an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) sets back to pass before the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Georgia in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe waves during a welcome event at Disneyland on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif. Alabama is scheduled to play against Michigan on New Year's Day in the Rose Bowl, a semifinal in the College Football Playoff. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up before the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game against Michigan, Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) is chased by Michigan defensive end Josaiah Stewart, right, in the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) prepares to throw during the first half of the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game against Michigan Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws a pass during the second half of the Rose Bowl CFP NCAA semifinal college football game against Michigan Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe speaks during the Southeastern Conference NCAA college football media days Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Jeffrey McWhorter)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Western Kentucky, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Western Kentucky, Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) walks off the field with a victory after an NCAA college football game against South Florida, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama's Jalen Milroe (4) tries to get past Wisconsin's Hunter Wohler (24) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) warms up before an NCAA college football game against Georgia, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) sets up a play against Georgia during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) talks with ESPN's Holly Rowe after a 41-34 win over Georgia at an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) plays against Vanderbilt in an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) plays during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) drops to pass against South Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) rolls out to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) avoids a Tennessee defender during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) runs for yardage as he's chased by Tennessee defensive back Jakobe Thomas (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe looks to throw against Missouri during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) passes in the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) carries on a long touchdown carry in the first half an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) carries for a touchdown in the first half an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) carries for a touchdown in the first half an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates his touchdown carry in the first half an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates a touchdown carry in the second half an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) celebrates a touchdown carry in the second half an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) is tackled by Oklahoma defensive back Robert Spears-Jennings (3) for a loss during the first quarter of a NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Oklahoma defensive lineman Gracen Halton (56) tackles Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) during the second half of a NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, in Norman, Okla. (AP Photo/Alonzo Adams)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) carries the ball in for a touchdown as Auburn safety Kaleb Harris (18) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) throws the ball during the first half an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) runs the ball for a touchdown against Auburn during the second half an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe (4) salutes the crowd after an NCAA college football game against Auburn, Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe against Michigan during the first half of the ReliaQuest Bowl NCAA college football game Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
American team quarterback Jalen Milroe of Alabama (4) runs through drills during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jalen Milroe of Alabama (4) throws a pass during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
American team quarterback Jalen Milroe (4), of Alabama, warms up before the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Saturday, March 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Quarterback Jalen Milroe runs the 40-yard dash at Alabama's NFL pro day, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe throws during passing drills at Alabama's NFL football pro day, Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
