Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer said Monday he likes the “fit” of former Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe going to the Seattle Seahawks.

Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer has always had a keen eye for talent. His transition into the head coach position at one of college football’s premier programs has brought a fresh perspective on both the players who have gone through the Alabama program and those who are just beginning their professional journeys. On Monday, DeBoer turned his attention to former Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe, who is now set to begin his professional career with the Seattle Seahawks.

Milroe, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks to ever take the field for Alabama, has been praised by many throughout his college career for his raw talent, athleticism, and ability to perform under pressure. Despite a rollercoaster start to his college career, Milroe’s combination of size, mobility, and arm strength has made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. DeBoer, who has had the opportunity to see Milroe grow and develop during his time at Alabama, believes that Milroe’s move to Seattle is not just a good fit—it’s the perfect match for the young quarterback’s continued development.

The Journey to the NFL

Jalen Milroe’s path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. He arrived at Alabama in 2021 as part of a star-studded recruiting class, but it wasn’t until 2023 that Milroe truly started to take the reins as the starting quarterback for the Crimson Tide. His early career at Alabama had been marked by flashes of brilliance, mixed with moments of inconsistency. Milroe’s raw athleticism—his speed, his arm strength, and his ability to make plays with his legs—was evident, but his command of the offense and ability to read defenses remained a work in progress.

However, 2023 was a transformative season for Milroe. Under the tutelage of DeBoer’s predecessor, Milroe made strides in his decision-making, poise, and accuracy. His play led Alabama to multiple big wins, including a dramatic victory over a top-ranked opponent in the SEC, where Milroe’s ability to scramble and extend plays was on full display.

His performance didn’t go unnoticed. Despite his rawness as a passer, Milroe’s upside was undeniable. In a league that increasingly values mobile quarterbacks, Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities caught the eye of NFL scouts. By the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolled around, Milroe’s name was firmly in the conversation for one of the top quarterbacks to be selected.

The Seattle Seahawks, a team known for their progressive offensive approach, had long been monitoring Milroe’s development, intrigued by his unique skill set. With veteran quarterback Geno Smith holding down the starting job, the Seahawks viewed Milroe as the perfect quarterback to groom for the future—a signal-caller who could evolve in the mold of past great dual-threat quarterbacks like Russell Wilson.

DeBoer’s Take on Milroe’s Fit in Seattle

When asked about Milroe’s fit with Seattle, Kalen DeBoer didn’t hesitate to express his enthusiasm. Having coached Milroe at Alabama, DeBoer knows the quarterback’s strengths better than anyone, and he believes that Seattle’s system, paired with their coaching staff, is the ideal environment for Milroe’s continued growth.

“Jalen is a special talent, and when you look at a team like the Seattle Seahawks, you really see a place where he can develop into the player he’s capable of becoming,” DeBoer said on Monday. “The Seahawks have a history of being open to a quarterback who can move and create on the fly, and that’s exactly what Jalen brings to the table. His ability to make something happen when the play breaks down—whether with his legs or his arm—is something that fits perfectly in their offense.”

Why Seattle Is the Perfect Fit for Milroe

For Milroe, a move to Seattle provides him with the opportunity to develop behind a seasoned quarterback in Geno Smith, who has experienced both the highs and lows of NFL life. Smith’s journey from being a former second-round pick with high expectations to a career journeyman and finally a Pro Bowl-level starter has given him a perspective that will be invaluable for Milroe’s development.

As DeBoer pointed out, Smith’s mentorship could prove to be one of the most beneficial aspects of Milroe’s transition to the NFL. With the opportunity to learn from a quarterback who has faced adversity and come out the other side, Milroe will have the chance to hone his skills in a less pressured environment—at least initially.

Seattle head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron have both shown a preference for mobile quarterbacks, valuing a player’s ability to extend plays and create off-script. This is where Milroe’s skill set will come into full effect. Known for his ability to break tackles, make plays on the run, and generate big-yardage scrambles, Milroe could thrive in Seattle’s offense. The system allows for the quarterback to be a key part of the run game, especially on designed quarterback runs or read-option plays, an area where Milroe excels.

Moreover, Seattle’s offensive line is built to support quarterbacks who need time to process plays and get creative. Their system is centered around quick throws, play-action, and rollouts—giving the quarterback time to survey the field while also capitalizing on their mobility. These are areas where Milroe’s athleticism and skill set align perfectly with what Seattle’s offense has traditionally looked for in a signal-caller.

The Growth Milroe Will Experience in Seattle

As much as Milroe has already proven during his time at Alabama, there is still plenty of room for growth. While his ability to extend plays and make big throws will immediately impress, Milroe’s growth as a pocket passer will be the key to unlocking his full potential. In Seattle, he’ll have the chance to refine his decision-making under the guidance of the Seahawks’ coaching staff, a group that has seen firsthand how quickly quarterbacks can develop when given the right tools.

DeBoer stressed that the most significant area of development for Milroe is his ability to read defenses quickly and make quick decisions under pressure. At Alabama, Milroe had flashes of brilliance but was sometimes inconsistent with his pre-snap reads or his ability to check down to secondary options.

“Jalen’s got everything you want in a quarterback—he just needs to continue refining the mental side of the game,” DeBoer said. “Seattle’s system will push him to think quickly and make the right decisions under pressure. It’s a system that fits his skill set, but it’s also one that will challenge him to grow every day.”

At Alabama, Milroe showed improvement in his decision-making over time, and his performance in key games demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion. However, he still has areas to clean up, particularly in his accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Working with Seattle’s coaches will give him the chance to iron out some of those kinks in his game and further develop his timing, footwork, and situational awareness.

Milroe’s Potential for the Future

As DeBoer pointed out, Milroe’s future with the Seahawks doesn’t just hinge on his immediate impact—this is about long-term growth. The NFL is a league where quarterbacks typically take time to find their rhythm, especially those who possess the dynamic skill set Milroe brings to the table. While he may not start immediately, the hope is that by the time Milroe gets his opportunity to start, he’ll be a much more complete quarterback with the ability to lead Seattle to future success.

“Jalen has the potential to be a game-changer,” DeBoer said. “It’s not just about his physical tools. It’s his mindset. He’s a guy who wants to learn, who wants to improve, and who thrives under pressure. If there’s one thing I know about Jalen, it’s that he’s going to do whatever it takes to succeed.”

That mindset—paired with the Seahawks’ development-first approach—makes this partnership one that is poised for success. While Milroe’s first year may be spent learning behind a seasoned starter in Geno Smith, the opportunity for growth is massive, and when the time comes for Milroe to take over the reins, he could very well be poised to take the NFL by storm.