Not many football fans would remember Dave Krieg, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback who played 12 seasons for the team in the 1980s. Coming from a relatively unknown and now defunct college, Milton, the player, remained undrafted in the 1980s draft class and maybe would have gone on to coach college football. However, fate presented an opportunity, and Krieg was later drafted by the Seahawks as a free agent. He grabbed the chance by its scruff and became one of the legends of the game in the Seahawks’ storied history. Now, there’s a new QB in town, and he might have the same potential and underrated tag to follow in the footsteps of Dave Krieg.

Yes, we are talking about the former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe. The signal caller was drafted as the 92nd overall pick by the Seahawks in a deep QB room and might have every trait to make his mark in the NFL. But behind the stats, on-field heroics, and celebrations after the draft selection lies a whole other story. Of a player who fought through all odds and a friend and brother who supported him through these times.

Terrion Arnold, the former Alabama CB who plays for the Detroit Lions now, has a bond with Jalen Milroe that looks stronger than steel. The cornerback had repeatedly called Jalen his “best friend” and still cherishes the time the two besties spent from 2021 to 2023 when they were teammates at Alabama. The friendship extended beyond spending time together. Arnold became a pillar of support for the former Alabama quarterback and even gave honest feedback when Jalen was going through some tough times and rough patches. So, it was natural that Arnold would be one of the happiest people when Milroe got selected by the Seahawks. The CB shared a heartfelt post on his Instagram account, too.

Jalen Milroe didn’t wait long and replied quickly to Arnold’s post in a manner that seriously gave us some friendship goals to follow. “You’ve been there through everything…the highs, the lows, the moments nobody saw. Every talk we had, every time we picked each other up, it all led to this. We made a promise to chase our dreams, and we’re living it out. Couldn’t ask for a better brother by my side. Forever locked in with you! Big LANK, not the lil.”

In his rookie season, Arnold was featured in almost all the games (16) for the Lions and emerged as a reliable player for the team. The CB notched up 60 total tackles, which included 47 total tackles and has now become one of the crucial players on the team. Jalen Milroe now would be looking to follow in the same footsteps and hoping to have a noticeable rookie season to make his mark.

The Seahawks QB situation may not allow Milroe to perform quickly, as they have Darnold on a $100 million deal and Drew Lock, a recent signee from the Giants. Even then, the immense talent and rushing ability he possesses will come in handy when Mike Macdonald needs a lethal red-zone runner.

Will the Seahawks suit Jalen Milroe?

Jalen Milroe is undoubtedly a developmental prospect for the initial one or two years, but the talent he has will undoubtedly propel him through the ranks of the NFL fast and soon. Milroe’s skills can’t be kept in a conventional bracket, but with a coach who will be open to tweaking his offense to suit Milroe’s strengths. The QB has everything from top speed to deep throwing accuracy to physicality in dominating rushing plays. But his short-ball distribution is a problem in some instances. However, that doesn’t mean he won’t improve.

Gerald ‘Smoke’ Dixon, a prominent former NFL scout, also seemed quite optimistic about Milroe’s development. “He’s somebody who has a skill set that you can teach. If you get the right person, you can get him there because he can get out of there, and he can make something happen. He can make all the throws, and I’m telling you, I saw Josh Allen grow over the years to be one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. It didn’t start just one day. It takes being put in situations where he’s still learning how to play the position.”

Dixon’s verdict is apt: Milroe certainly would take one or two years to come in front, but that wait would be worth it. He would need to focus on improving his accuracy, agility, and trajectory movement, particularly in confined areas, as well as his ability to navigate pockets effectively. If Milroe can work on all of this, his strengths will be enhanced, and he will be one of the best quarterbacks in the near future.