The Seattle Seahawks completed a soft reset this offseason, trading away Geno Smith and DK Metcalf while acquiring Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp.
The moves saved money while keeping Seattle in contention as a fringe NFC playoff team.
Seattle’s long-term direction remains unclear. But the team selected Jalen Milroe from Alabama in the third round, suggesting the 22-year-old quarterback could become the franchise’s future starter.
Milroe never reached elite status during his time with the Crimson Tide. He played under Nick Saban and Tommy Rees, then Kalen DeBoer and Nick Sheridan.
One former NFL quarterback believes Milroe’s best football is ahead of him.
Former journeyman backup and current content creator Kurt Benkert expressed optimism about Milroe’s situation during a recent interview with Bleacher Report.
“Jalen Milroe is going to be a better NFL quarterback than he will have been in college. The way the game is moving suits him a little bit better, and he’s got guys around him that will be able to elevate his gameplay. He might sit for two years behind Sam Darnold, but if you give him a chance to learn and develop the NFL game with all of the natural athleticism that he brings to the table, he can be a problem in the league.”
Milroe has the physical tools teams want in a quarterback.
But his uneven performance under DeBoer raises questions about Benkert’s assessment. DeBoer is considered one of college football’s top offensive minds.
Milroe must improve significantly as a pocket passer. His ability to throw with anticipation needs work.
If he reaches average levels in those areas, his size and speed combination could make him a real threat at the position.
