NFL Reacts to Jalen Milroe Being Drafted No. 92 Overall by the Seattle Seahawks

In one of the most intriguing picks of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe with the 92nd overall pick late in the third round. The move has sparked a wide range of reactions from analysts, players, and fans across the football world, offering a glimpse into how Milroe’s career could shape the future of the Seahawks — and maybe the NFL.

Draft Day Drama: How It Happened

Entering the 2025 Draft, Jalen Milroe was a polarizing prospect.

Some scouts raved about his athleticism, elite speed, and raw arm strength. Others worried about his mechanical flaws, decision-making inconsistencies, and whether his style could translate to a traditional NFL offense.

Despite the uncertainty, teams looking for high-upside quarterbacks kept Milroe high on their draft boards. As the first two rounds came and went — with notable QBs like Carson Beck and Quinn Ewers already off the board — Milroe’s name remained uncalled.

That changed late in the third round when Seattle, after much speculation about adding a developmental quarterback behind veteran Sam Darnold, pulled the trigger at No. 92.

The moment stunned the draft broadcast rooms, with analysts immediately pointing to the Seahawks’ long-term vision under head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider.

Instant Reactions from Analysts

Here’s a snapshot of what major NFL voices said immediately after the pick:

Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN):

“Look, Jalen Milroe is not ready to start right now, but this is a classic third-round swing on traits. He’s one of the most athletic quarterbacks I’ve ever scouted. If you sit him, develop him — this could look like a steal in three years.”

Daniel Jeremiah (NFL Network):

“He’s an electric athlete. Nobody in this class can run like Milroe. If Seattle builds the offense around his strengths one day, he could absolutely be a weapon.”

Chris Trapasso (CBS Sports):

“This is like buying a lottery ticket with really, really good odds.”

Player Comparison: Who Does Jalen Milroe Resemble?

NFL scouts and insiders threw out several comps for Milroe on draft weekend:

Lamar Jackson (early stages) — for the burst, improvisational skills, and “create-out-of-nothing” ability.
Taysom Hill — for his physical running style and potential to be used in creative sub-packages early.
Justin Fields — for the deep ball touch and explosive running, albeit without the same polish as a passer coming out.

Still, as many scouts pointed out, Milroe’s development curve will be unique. His upside is tantalizing — but the bust potential is real without patience and strong coaching.

Scouting Report: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Elite athleticism: Reportedly clocked a 4.46 40-yard dash at his Alabama pro day.
Rocket arm: Can make every throw on the field, including deep sideline shots off-platform.
Explosiveness: Dangerous runner who can flip a 3rd-and-15 with his legs.
Leadership: Universally respected in the Alabama locker room for his toughness and work ethic.

Weaknesses:

Inconsistent accuracy: Especially on quick-hitters and throws over the middle.
Slow processing: Sometimes locks onto primary reads, struggles to work through full-field progressions.
Pocket presence: Tends to bail from clean pockets too early.
Footwork/mechanics: Needs refinement, especially under pressure.

How He Fits the Seahawks

Seattle’s quarterback room heading into 2025 includes:

Sam Darnold (presumed starter)
Drew Lock
Sam Howell
Jaren Hall

Milroe enters a perfect environment for growth. He will not be rushed to start immediately, allowing him to sit behind veteran QBs, learn the NFL game, and refine his mechanics without the pressure of saving a franchise in Year 1.

The Seahawks’ offense, with a commitment to mobility, play-action, and an aggressive run game, seems tailor-made to one day highlight Milroe’s strengths.

Expect the Seahawks to initially deploy him in specialty packages — think red zone packages, goal-line situations, short-yardage plays — before expanding his role down the line.

Jalen Milroe’s Reaction

In his first media conference after being drafted, Milroe flashed the confidence and chip-on-shoulder mentality that made him a fan favorite at Alabama.

“Belt to ass.”

Milroe, when asked what Seattle was getting, doubled down:

“There’s nothing I can’t do on a football field. Are there things I can improve on? Absolutely. But there’s nothing I can’t do when I’m out there.”

It’s clear Milroe feels he has something to prove — and that Seattle’s front office is betting on that mentality to drive his development.

Social Media Explodes

As with most polarizing picks, NFL Twitter lit up after Seattle’s announcement:

Some Seahawks fans praised the front office for betting on a high-upside athlete rather than settling for safe, low-ceiling players.
Critics questioned why Seattle didn’t target more polished options, considering Milroe’s rawness.
Alabama fans flooded timelines with highlight reels of Milroe torching defenses with deep bombs and ankle-breaking runs.

A few standout tweets:

“If Seattle actually builds an offense around Milroe one day…good luck stopping that.”

“Milroe is basically the ultimate wild card. Love the gamble in Round 3.”

“Not sure he’s ready. But man, the talent is undeniable.”

What Scouts Say About His Development Timeline

Privately, NFL executives believe Milroe needs at least one full season — maybe two — before being ready to take over as a full-time starter.

A scout from an NFC South team told Field Gulls:

“If you try to play him Week 1, you’ll kill his confidence. If you let him develop? You might end up with a 6-foot-2, 220-pound nightmare for defensive coordinators.”

Milroe will need intensive work on:

Reading post-snap coverages
Improving short and intermediate accuracy
Mastering blitz protections and audibles at the line

Projecting His NFL Future

Best-case scenario?

Milroe develops like Jalen Hurts: a raw college QB who blossoms into a dynamic NFL starter with a run-first base and steadily improving passing ability.

Worst-case scenario?

He ends up as a dangerous gadget QB without ever mastering NFL-level passing concepts.

Realistic expectation?

Redshirt Year 1
Compete seriously for a backup job in Year 2
Challenge for a starting role by Year 3 if growth continues

Big Picture: Why This Pick Matters

In today’s NFL, athletic quarterbacks who can extend plays and threaten defenses on the ground are more valuable than ever.

The Seahawks didn’t draft Jalen Milroe to replace Sam Darnold in 2025. They drafted him because the NFL of 2027 and beyond demands quarterbacks who can stress defenses horizontally and vertically, who can improvise, who can make magic happen when plays break down.

Seattle bought a lottery ticket — but it’s a lottery ticket with freakish upside.

If Milroe hits his ceiling? The Seahawks just found their next franchise quarterback — at pick 92.