The Seattle Seahawks did a couple of unexpected things in the 2025 NFL draft. They chose an interior offensive lineman in the first round, for one. If that wasn't stunning enough, general manager John Schneider then took a quarterback in the third round.
While guard Grey Zabel, the first-round choice, looks like a real winner, the quarterback, Jalen Milroe, hasn't had a chance to play yet. Hopefully, he won't for a couple of years, at least. What is plain and clear is that Seattle didn't take the bait and make the mistake of taking quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Many pundits had Sanders going in the top five of the draft. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. raged on-air when team after team through the first four rounds kept passing on Sanders. Kiper had Sanders as his No. 2 quarterback. No way could Kiper be so wrong.
Seattle Seahawks made the right move taking Jalen Milroe over Shedeur Sanders in the 2025 NFL draft
Maybe time will change things, but through the first four games of 2025, Kiper is wrong. Very wrong. While Sanders' approach and attitude have been questionable with the Cleveland Browns, his arm talent is obviously underwhelming. So much so that Cleveland is deciding to move on from veteran Joe Flacco as its QB1 and elevating another rookie to the spot.
Third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, who was chosen two spots after Milroe, will start in Week 5. Meanwhile, Sanders will sit and watch. The overhyped son of Deion might never be a long-term quarterback for an NFL team, and the Browns have more faith in Gabriel.
The Seahawks decided to take the anti-Sanders in the person of Milroe. While Sanders appears entitled and arrogant, Milroe is the epitome of class and understanding of his current position with the team. Sanders doesn't seem to.
The Browns should get credit for selecting Gabriel, but only to a degree. Had that terrible franchise simply chosen to stick to one quarterback, it would have shown faith in their decision. Instead, they made the baffling move of selecting Sanders, too.
Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks got a high-character quarterback who has time to develop into a good player. If he never does, Seattle hasn't lost much by using only a third-round choice on Jalen Milroe. The reward would far outweigh the risk. Maybe Dillon Gabriel will work out for the Browns, too, but at least Seattle isn't dealing with the drama known as Shedeur Sanders.