Seahawks select quarterback Jalen Milroe in third round of the NFL draft

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks selected Jalen Milroe in the third round of Friday’s NFL draft.

The 6-foot-2, 217-pound quarterback started two seasons at Alabama, racking up 45 passing touchdowns and another 33 on the ground over his collegiate career.

“He’s an incredible athlete,” general manager John Schneider said. “Very, very fast. I think literally it’s 21.2 (mph) or something like that, his GPS speed.”

The dual-threat QB completed 64% of his passes in college, but there are some questions about whether Milroe’s throwing abilities will adequately translate to the next level. Coach Mike MacDonald said the Seahawks won’t exactly be patient with Milroe, but acknowledged that offseason signee Sam Darnold is still the projected starter under center.

“Sam’s going to take by far and away over 90% of our snaps this year,” MacDonald said. “However, Jalen deserves and earns the right to go out there, then we’ll do that. If it’s going to help the team, it’s best for us to move the ball, give these defensive coordinators some headaches, which I’m really happy it’s not going to be us.”

There is certainly nothing to quibble about when it comes to Milroe’s athleticism, as he rushed for 726 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2024. He is also a proven winner, having gone 21-6 at Alabama while never losing consecutive games.

Milroe is adamant he’s now in the right spot in joining the reigning NFC West champions. He’s eager to learn from Darnold.

“The best thing for any rookie quarterback is to have a veteran in the room,” Milroe said. “So, that’s awesome, just to have that going into this quarterback room and also just all the knowledge that’s behind us. So, I’m just so super excited for just the new journey, new chapter of my life to be in Seattle.”

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