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NFL expert predicts winner of Seattle Seahawks'' backup quarterback competition

Seahawks Eye Alabama's Jalen Milroe as Potential QB Spark, Setting Stage for Competition with Drew Lock

In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, where quarterback depth can make or break a team's fortunes, the Seattle Seahawks find themselves at a intriguing crossroads. With Geno Smith firmly entrenched as the starting quarterback following his resurgent performances in recent seasons, the focus has shifted to the backup role and the long-term future of the position. Enter Drew Lock, the current incumbent backup, and Jalen Milroe, the dynamic Alabama quarterback who's generating buzz as a potential draft target for Seattle. Analysts and insiders are increasingly predicting that the Seahawks could select Milroe in the upcoming NFL Draft, igniting a fierce competition with Lock that could reshape the team's quarterback room and provide a glimpse into their strategic vision under head coach Mike Macdonald.

To understand the potential ramifications of this scenario, it's essential to delve into the backgrounds of both quarterbacks and how they align with the Seahawks' needs. Drew Lock, now 27 years old, arrived in Seattle via a blockbuster trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos back in 2022. Lock's journey has been a rollercoaster of promise and inconsistency. Drafted in the second round by the Broncos in 2019 out of Missouri, he flashed tantalizing arm strength and mobility during his college days, where he led the SEC in passing yards and touchdowns in his senior year. In the pros, Lock has shown glimpses of that potential—starting games for Denver and even stepping in for the Seahawks last season when Smith was sidelined. His ability to make off-platform throws and extend plays with his legs has endeared him to coaches, but questions about his decision-making and turnover-prone tendencies have lingered. In Seattle, Lock has served as a reliable insurance policy, but with his contract situation fluid and the team looking to build for the future, his role isn't guaranteed beyond the immediate term.

On the other side of this budding rivalry is Jalen Milroe, the electrifying signal-caller from the University of Alabama. Milroe, a redshirt junior, has emerged as one of college football's most intriguing prospects, blending elite athleticism with a cannon arm that draws comparisons to dual-threat stars like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts. His rise to prominence came after a brief benching early in the 2023 season, only to reclaim the starting job and lead the Crimson Tide to impressive victories, including a memorable upset over Georgia in the SEC Championship. Milroe's style is tailor-made for the modern NFL: he possesses breakaway speed, evidenced by his ability to turn scrambles into explosive gains, and a deep-ball accuracy that keeps defenses honest. Under the tutelage of legendary coach Nick Saban and now Kalen DeBoer, Milroe has refined his pocket presence and decision-making, addressing earlier criticisms about his passing mechanics. Scouts rave about his leadership qualities and work ethic, qualities that could make him an ideal fit for a Seahawks team emphasizing resilience and innovation.

The prediction that Seattle might draft Milroe stems from a combination of draft projections and the team's current roster dynamics. With the Seahawks holding a mid-first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft (assuming their season unfolds as expected), Milroe's projected draft stock aligns perfectly. Mock drafts from various outlets have him slipping into the late first or early second round, making him an attainable target without requiring a massive trade-up. The Seahawks' front office, led by general manager John Schneider, has a history of investing in quarterback talent even when the starter seems secure—recall their selection of players like Malik Willis in past drafts or the trade for Lock himself. This move would not only provide depth but also inject youth and upside into a position group that's seen its share of turnover since Wilson's departure.

Imagining a competition between Lock and Milroe adds layers of intrigue to Seattle's offseason narrative. Lock, with his NFL experience, would enter any battle as the presumed favorite for the backup spot. He's familiar with the Seahawks' system under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, who brings a creative, pass-heavy scheme influenced by his time at Washington. Lock's arm talent allows him to execute the deep shots and layered routes that Grubb favors, and his veteran savvy could help mentor a rookie like Milroe. However, Lock's contract is set to expire after the 2024 season, and if he doesn't perform up to expectations or if the team sees Milroe as a quicker path to contention, the door could swing open for the newcomer.

Milroe, meanwhile, represents the high-ceiling wildcard. Transitioning from college to the pros is never seamless, but his athletic profile suggests he could adapt quickly. In a competition setting, Milroe's mobility would shine in training camp drills and preseason games, where his ability to evade pressure and create off-script could turn heads. The Seahawks' defense, known for its physicality under Macdonald (formerly of the Ravens), would provide a stern test, simulating the NFL's speed and complexity. If Milroe impresses, he could push Lock not just for snaps but for the long-term heir apparent role to Smith, who turns 34 in October. This dynamic echoes past quarterback battles in Seattle, like the one between Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson in 2012, where the rookie upstart won out and changed the franchise's trajectory.

Beyond the on-field implications, this potential draft pick and subsequent competition speak to broader strategic questions for the Seahawks. The team is in a transitional phase, blending established stars like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett with emerging talents on defense. Quarterback stability is paramount in the NFC West, a division featuring formidable arms like Matthew Stafford and Kyler Murray. By targeting Milroe, Seattle could hedge against any regression from Smith while building a pipeline of talent. Critics might argue that using a high draft pick on a quarterback when other needs—like the offensive line or secondary—persist is a luxury, but proponents counter that in today's NFL, you can never have too much quarterback insurance. The success of teams like the Packers, who drafted Jordan Love behind Aaron Rodgers, underscores the value of proactive planning.

Of course, predictions are just that—educated guesses in a league full of surprises. Milroe's draft stock could fluctuate based on Alabama's performance in the College Football Playoff or his showing at the NFL Combine. Lock, too, might solidify his standing with strong play if called upon during the season. External factors, such as trades or free-agent signings, could alter the landscape entirely. Yet, the allure of a Lock-Milroe showdown is undeniable, promising drama, development, and perhaps a defining moment for the Seahawks' future.

As the draft approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely. Will Seattle pull the trigger on Milroe, setting the stage for a quarterback competition that could echo through the franchise for years? Or will they opt for a different path, leaving Lock unchallenged and Milroe to land elsewhere? Whatever the outcome, this storyline encapsulates the high-stakes chess game that is NFL roster building, where today's backup could be tomorrow's star. For the Seahawks, embracing such competition might just be the key to returning to Super Bowl contention, blending experience with explosive potential in a bid to reclaim their place among the league's elite.

In wrapping up this exploration, it's clear that the intersection of Drew Lock's proven grit and Jalen Milroe's untapped promise could create fireworks in Seattle. The prediction isn't just about drafting a player; it's about fostering a culture of competition that drives excellence. As the offseason looms, the Seahawks' decisions at quarterback will be scrutinized, debated, and ultimately, defining. Whether Milroe joins the fold or not, the mere possibility adds a layer of excitement to a team hungry for its next chapter of success. (Word count: 1,128)

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/nfl-seattle-seahawks-drew-lock-jalen-milroe-competition-prediction ]