NFL Draft 2025: What Nick Saban said about Seattle Seahawks decision to draft Jalen Milroe

[ASFN Admin]

Few people were happier to hear Jalen Milroe's name called in the 2025 NFL Draft on Friday than his former head coach at Alabama, Nick Saban.

Saban, who joined ABC's coverage of the draft from Green Bay, Wisconsin, was smiling ear to ear and clapping when Milroe was drafted in the third round at No. 92 overall by the Seattle Seahawks. Milroe was a two-year starter at Alabama from 2023-24.

Immediately after Crimson Tide and Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander announced Milroe's name, Saban gave his thoughts on his former quarterback.

"He's gonna give the Seahawks an element of offense that nobody else in this draft can give anybody. Because this guy is fast, he's explosive and look, he can throw the ball. He's got a strong arm. He's a great deep-ball thrower. He just needs a little refinement and consistency in the passing game and he can be an outstanding player."

Saban added:

"The thing that I always preach to him about is, 'Jalen, you make enough big plays. How about let's eliminate some of the bad plays? The sacks, the fumbles, the interceptions... those are all drive-stopping plays, and you make enough good plays.'"

When analyzing a clip of Milroe scrambling out of pressure for a big gain that led to first and goal for Alabama on its first series in the 41-34 win over No. 1 Georgia on Sept. 28 last year, Saban said:

"Here he drops back to pass and then takes off running. This breaks down the defense and defines what a defense can do playing against this guy. Because you can't play a lot of man-to-man. You can't turn your back to him."

Saban also broke down a clip of Milroe throwing an interception to Auburn safety Caleb Wooden in the first half of last year's 28-14 Alabama win in the Iron Bowl. "He threw that ball into coverage. There were three guys there, so negative play," Saban said.

Milroe started two years at Alabama under Saban and Kalen DeBoer and also started one game in 2022 against Texas A&M when Bryce Young was dealing with a shoulder injury. He threw for 2,844 yards with 16 touchdowns to 11 interceptions last year while rushing for 726 yards and 20 touchdowns on 168 carries.

Milroe was 21-6 as Alabama's starting quarterback.

RELATED: Seahawks quarterback succession plan solidified with Jalen Milroe

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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Nick Saban analyzes Seattle Seahawks' decision to draft Jalen Milroe

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