Seahawks draft Jalen Milroe to spark quarterback competition

In Renton, Washington, the Seattle Seahawks made a strategic move during the NFL draft by choosing Jalen Milroe, a 6-foot-2, 217-pound quarterback from Alabama, in the third round. Milroe, who had a successful college career including a record of 21-6, demonstrated significant prowess as a dual-threat quarterback, accumulating 39 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. Notably, he also excelled in rushing, tallying 726 yards and 20 touchdowns while completing 64% of his passes. However, there are concerns regarding how well his throwing skills will transition to the professional level, particularly in terms of accuracy and consistency. The Seahawks have been cautious in their approach to drafting quarterbacks, having only selected one in the last 15 years prior to Milroe. Team General Manager John Schneider expressed that this was the right moment for the team to secure a quarterback on their draft board. Sam Darnold, who recently signed a three-year contract worth $100.5 million, is expected to be the starter, but the addition of Milroe adds uncertainty to the quarterback competition, particularly with Drew Lock being retained as well. Coaches and analysts speculate that Milroe's athletic talents could potentially enhance Seattle's offensive capabilities. Head Coach Mike Macdonald, who has witnessed the effectiveness of mobile quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, sees a similar potential in Milroe, particularly if he can refine his passing mechanics. Milroe's performance at his pro day, highlighted by a 4.40-second 40-yard dash, adds to the excitement around his athleticism. The decision to draft Milroe reflects a broader trend in the NFL towards seeking versatile quarterbacks who can escape pressure and extend plays. As he begins his journey with the Seahawks, all eyes will be on how he develops under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and how he adapts to the demands of the professional game. Milroe himself has expressed his intention to be multifaceted in the quarterback position, emphasizing his ability to process the game and make plays, indicating that his aim is to succeed at the highest level.