The Seattle Seahawks could consider drafting an eventual successor for starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Smith is currently slated to enter the final year of his contract. Expectations are he'll sign a short-term extension to keep him in Seattle beyond 2025, but general manager John Schneider should start considering the future, given his starter turns 35 this season.
Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald are equipped with eight total selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. There’s a slew of second-tier quarterback prospects expected to be drafted between rounds two and four. The Seahawks should roll the dice on a prospective signal-caller with starting-caliber upside. We've identified three quarterbacks in particular who should be on Schneider's radar entering the draft.
Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss
The general consensus is that Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart is the third-best prospect behind Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders. Dart was the most intriguing quarterback to participate in throwing drills at the NFL Combine. In truth, he enjoyed an up-and-down session, flashing enough upside to keep teams wondering if his talent is worth gambling on.
Dart possesses the required physical tools to develop into a high-level quarterback. Arm strength and velocity are present in bunches, as is the ability to make off-platform plays. Dart is athletic and mobile. He struggles when asked to make difficult split-second decisions under duress. A year or two behind Smith while learning from Kubiak could be beneficial to his long-term development.
Jalen Milroe, Alabama
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is among the more divisive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. At times during the season, Milroe looked like a surefire first-round pick. Eventually, his struggles became too consistent, and he's now considered to be in the second tier of quarterback prospects. He threw for less than 3,000 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It’s the dual-threat upside, with 32 rushing scores across the previous two campaigns, that has teams intrigued.
Inconsistent mechanics led to a disappointing throwing session for Milroe at the NFL Combine. Whoever invests a draft pick in Milroe has to understand that he'd benefit from sitting on the bench and developing behind the scenes. The sky's the limit given his athleticism and potential. Backing up Smith would be beneficial, especially considering Smith understands how to overcome early struggles to enjoy longevity as a starting-caliber quarterback.
Will Howard, Ohio State
Will Howard did his pre-draft stock a huge favor this past season. The former Kansas State quarterback transferred to Ohio State this past campaign and led the Buckeyes to a National Championship. Howard was outstanding in the title game, completing 17-of-21 passing attempts for 231 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Overall, the Pennsylvania native threw for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns.
Howard possesses the necessary physical tools of arm strength and athleticism to develop into a starting quarterback. His deep-ball accuracy was impressive this past season, and the requisite velocity to fit throws into tight throwing windows is present. Several teams with in-flux quarterback situations should target Howard on Day Two of the draft. The Seahawks are in that mix.
