Seahawks Draft Jalen Milroe: A New Era for Seattle’s Offense?
Seattle adds dynamic quarterback Jalen Milroe to their roster, sparking excitement adn questions about teh team’s future.
The Seattle Seahawks have made a notable move in the NFL Draft, selecting Jalen Milroe with pick No. 92. This decision adds both a quarterback and a dynamic athlete to their offense,signaling a potential shift in strategy and a focus on versatility under center.
“I knew going into this process, my ultimate goal was to hear my name called, and I was able to hear that today, so this is definitely a dream come true,” Milroe said in a conference call after being selected. “The best thing about it is indeed I was gathered with family throughout this whole process. It’s definitely a unique journey for sure, not knowing where you’ll go, but it’s all about that right spot, and I know I’m in the right spot moving forward.”
Why Seattle? Milroe’s Viewpoint
When asked why Seattle was the right spot, Milroe emphasized the connection he felt with the organization.”It’s the right spot because I know it’s a community of people that believe in me, that’s all in on me. I felt from the jump when I visited Seattle for my 30 visit, being around the coaching staff. it was a great vibe, so I just enjoyed my whole journey while I was there.”
The “30 visit” Milroe refers to is one of the pre-draft visits NFL teams are allowed to host with prospective players. These visits are crucial for teams to assess a player’s character, football IQ, and fit within the team’s culture.
Milroe’s College Career: A Dual-Threat Quarterback
A two-year starter at Alabama, Milroe brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the Seahawks. He passed for 2,844 yards and 16 touchdowns while completing 64.3 percent of his passes. His impact wasn’t limited to the passing game; he also rushed for a team-leading 726 yards and 20 rushing touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities.
Milroe’s athleticism is undeniable. At Alabama’s pro day, he ran a 4.40 second 40-yard dash. In 2023, he averaged 15.2 yards per completion, which ranked seventh among FBS quarterbacks.He threw 23 touchdowns passes against six interceptions and was a finalist for the Manning Award, given to the nation’s top quarterback, while also leading the team with 12 rushing touchdowns.
| Statistic | 2023 season |
|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 2,844 |
| Passing Touchdowns | 23 |
| Completion Percentage | 64.3% |
| Rushing Yards | 726 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 12 |
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.40 seconds |
Beyond his on-field performance, Milroe also excelled academically, winning the William V. Campbell Trophy last year, an award commonly referred to as the Academic Heisman, recognizing the nation’s top scholar-athlete.
Milroe’s Role in Seattle: kubiak’s Influence?
Milroe’s rushing ability could allow him to make an immediate impact, especially playing for offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who previously utilized a rushing quarterback in Taysom Hill while with the New Orleans Saints. Though, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald cautioned against a direct comparison, noting that the Saints used Hill as a tight end and at other positions, while Milroe is, as Macdonald put it, a “quarterback through and through.”
Kubiak’s offensive schemes are known for their emphasis on utilizing the quarterback’s mobility and creating opportunities for dual-threat players. How Milroe fits into this system will be a key storyline to watch in the upcoming season.
Competition at Quarterback
Milroe joins a quarterback room that already includes Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, and Sam Howell, all of whom have significant starting experience. Addressing his role, Milroe stated, “I’m coming to learn, grow and bring nothing but positive vibes to the offense, fulfilling all that as a necessity in my role on the team. Of course once I get there, I’ll understand my niche for sure, but I’m competing no matter what day it is, no matter how many reps I get. Competing for when that opportunity presents itself at the quarterback position.”
The presence of these veterans provides Milroe with an opportunity to learn from experienced players while pushing them for playing time. The competition at quarterback is expected to be fierce during training camp.
Opportunity Matters More Than Draft Position
While some projections had Milroe going as high as the first round,he isn’t focused on where he was selected,but rather on the situation he’s in now and the opportunity to prove himself in seattle.
“look, no matter where I was drafted, I still have to come in and prove myself and earn that trust and respect of guys in the locker room,” Milroe said. “So it wasn’t a necessity to hear my name called early. It didn’t really matter to me, it was more hearing my name called, because I knew that team is all in on me, and they saw something in me that other teams didn’t. It was all about opportunity. It didn’t really matter when I was selected.”
This attitude reflects a maturity and understanding of the NFL landscape, where success is persistent more by hard work and dedication than by draft position alone. The Seahawks clearly believe in Milroe’s potential and are willing to give him the opportunity to develop and contribute.
Confidence in His Abilities
Milroe is confident in his abilities and believes he can contribute in a variety of ways. “There’s nothing I can’t do on the football field,” he said. “Are there things I can improve on? Absolutely. But there’s nothing I can’t do on the football field.I’ve thrown every type of touchdown, stepped up in the pocket, thrown on the run, gone through my progressions, I’ve thrown a checkdown that scored, I’ve used my legs. When looking,pick and choose what you want on the field,I can do it. I say that humbly, not over-arrogant, it’s just more knowing what I bring to the table and knowing that it’s a different dynamic on the football field that I know I’m going to utilize in the NFL.”
His self-assuredness and versatility make him an intriguing prospect for the Seahawks, who are looking to add a dynamic element to their offense. However, some analysts have questioned Milroe’s accuracy and decision-making under pressure. While his athleticism is undeniable, he will need to refine his passing skills to succeed at the NFL level.I think his ceiling is high, but he needs to show he improve his consistency
ESPN’s Mel Kiper said on a recent podcast.
A Rare Quarterback Draft Pick for Seattle
Milroe is just the third quarterback selected by Seattle in 16 drafts under general manager john Schneider, joining Russell Wilson in 2012 and Alex McGough in 2018. This highlights the Seahawks’ tendency to either acquire established quarterbacks through trades or free agency or to find hidden gems later in the draft.
FAQ About Jalen Milroe and the Seahawks
- What are Jalen Milroe’s strengths as a quarterback?
- Jalen Milroe’s strengths include his exceptional athleticism,rushing ability,and strong arm. He is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with both his arm and his legs. He also possesses excellent leadership qualities and a strong work ethic,demonstrated by winning the Academic Heisman.
- How does Jalen Milroe fit into the Seahawks’ offensive scheme?
- Milroe’s dual-threat capabilities align well with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s schemes that often utilize a quarterback’s mobility. The Seahawks may incorporate read-option plays and designed quarterback runs to capitalize on Milroe’s athleticism.
- What is Jalen Milroe’s contract with the Seahawks?
- As a third-round pick (No. 92 overall), Milroe’s contract is estimated to be around $5 million over four years, including a signing bonus of roughly $900,000. These figures are based on the projected value of that draft slot.
- what are the chances of Jalen Milroe becoming the starting quarterback for the Seahawks?
- The chances of Milroe becoming the starting quarterback depend on his performance during training camp and preseason. He faces competition from experienced quarterbacks like Sam Darnold, Drew Lock and sam Howell. he needs to showcase his abilities and demonstrate his readiness to lead the team.
- What is a ’30 Visit’ in the NFL Draft process?
- A ’30 Visit’ refers to the pre-draft visits NFL teams are allowed to host with prospective players. Each team can invite up to 30 players to their facilities for interviews, physicals, and workouts. It’s a crucial part of the evaluation process.
Here are some PAAs you can use:
Interview: Analyzing the seahawks’ Draft Pick – Jalen Milroe
ArchydeS Sports Editor, Alex Riley, sits down today with former NFL scout and current analyst, Marcus Bell, to dissect the Seattle Seahawks’ strategic selection of quarterback Jalen milroe in the recent NFL Draft.
Alex Riley: Marcus, thanks for joining us. The Seahawks’ pick of Jalen Milroe at number 92 was certainly an captivating one. What are your initial thoughts on the selection?
Marcus Bell: Thanks for having me, Alex. My initial reaction is a mix of excitement and strategic foresight from Seattle. Milroe is undeniably an athlete. He possesses a rare blend of arm talent and rushing ability that can elevate a team’s offence. Considering the importance of the position, the Seahawks are building for both the present and the future. It’s a calculated gamble that could pay off handsomely.
Alex Riley: Absolutely. Milroe’s stats from Alabama are quite impressive. Looking specifically at his dual-threat capabilities, how do you see him fitting into Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system, possibly?
marcus Bell: That’s key. Kubiak’s offenses frequently enough emphasize the quarterback’s mobility. Think Taysom Hill in New orleans. While Milroe may not have Hill’s versatility in lining up at different positions, his primary function is to be a quarterback. Kubiak will most likely design plays that capitalize on his ability to run creating options, and potentially some read-option plays will be added, which would put a lot of pressure from any defense.
Alex Riley: You mentioned the future. The seahawks already have Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, and Sam Howell on the roster. What kind of impact do you expect this to have in the quarterback room?
Marcus Bell: It creates immediate competition which is healthy for the team.Milroe will be eager to learn and absorb everything he can but will also want to showcase his skill. It’s a chance to build his NFL foundation, learning from more experienced players. It is indeed safe to assume Darnold, Lock, and Howell will look to establish themselves to win the starting position.
Alex Riley: Right. There’s a lot of chatter about his accuracy being an area for potential development. How crucial will his accuracy be at the next level?
Marcus Bell: Accuracy is fundamental at any level. While Milroe’s athleticism can bail him out of certain situations, he will need to improve his consistency and accuracy to make the plays when the defense is prepared. NFL defenses are too good to rely solely on athleticism. if he can show signs of accuracy and decision improvement, then he has a very big upside.Fortunately, he’ll be learning from players who have played against those types of coverages and defensive plays throughout their careers.
Alex Riley: The Seahawks have a history of finding quarterback gems. The team also has a good coach,so what specific aspects of Milroe’s game do you think they are looking to develop most,in preparing him to compete?
Marcus Bell: The coaching staff will most certainly aim for a well-rounded growth plan regarding Milroe’s development. Coaching will focus on refining his footwork, decision-making under pressure and reads. Seattle certainly must be working to make sure he is reading defenses and processing information quicker. This will allow him to find his receivers more and make improvements in his accuracy. A faster release and the ability to make quick decisions will substantially elevate his performance in the long run.
Alex Riley: Marcus, one potential snag with Milroe could be if he doesn’t fully realize his potential. How important will that be on this pick, and would you consider it a risk?
Marcus Bell: Well, there is always a risk with any draft pick. If Milroe doesn’t reach the level of the player he has the potential to become, given all his tools, it can set the team back a few years, but it goes back into that competition piece we talked about. There is a possibility that Milroe could be mentored, and the team utilizes one of the other quarterbacks to get their team further, but there are things no one can predict. I think the Seahawks have every reason to be optimistic. The staff will be dedicated to his growth.
alex Riley: Marcus, thank you for your insightful perspective. It’s clear that Jalen Milroe’s selection by the Seahawks has generated a lot of interest.
Marcus Bell: My pleasure, Alex.
Alex Riley: Our audience also wants to hear what they can expect from Milroe at the quarterback position. What are your initial expectations? Is this a smart pick for Seattle, or is it a gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments!
