While one of their West division counterparts, the Raiders, envision a Taysom Hill-like trajectory for college quarterback and 2025 draftee Tommy Mellott, the Seahawks do not have the same plan for Jalen Milroe, whom Seattle selected in the third round of last month’s draft. As Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic writes, the ‘Hawks see Milroe as a true quarterback at the professional level (subscription required).
“The way [the Saints] used [Hill] was more in a tight end-fullback hybrid role, sometimes taking snaps; [Milroe] is a quarterback through and through,” head coach Mike Macdonald said. “He’s going to be trained to play quarterback for us. When he’s in there, he’s going to be playing quarterback. But the athleticism is going to come to life when he’s on the field.”
As opposed to Mellott, an FCS product, Milroe made a name for himself at blue-blood Alabama, so it stands to reason that he would be given every opportunity to succeed as a passer despite his rawness in that regard and his athletic gifts that could make him a dynamic, Swiss Army-type weapon. His arm strength, coupled with his attitude and intelligence, give the Seahawks reason to believe they can develop him into a quality NFL quarterback.
That does not mean the ‘Hawks will eschew Milroe’s athleticism while he is learning the professional game and honing his mechanics. GM John Schneider said his club has “added an explosive weapon while [Milroe] develops as a quarterback,” and Macdonald also implied the team would deploy Milroe in “certain situations” early on.
If Milroe shows notable progress in his rookie campaign, the Seahawks will be put to a fascinating decision in 2026. Free agent signee Sam Darnold joined the club on a three-year, $100.5MM contract on the heels of his belated breakout season with the Vikings, but he is not due any fully-guaranteed money on that deal after the 2025 season. Drew Lock, meanwhile, was brought back to Seattle on a modest two-year pact that is easily escapable next year. So Milroe has a real opportunity to ascend the depth chart in short order should he demonstrate an ability to live up to his vast potential.
In each of his last two seasons with the Crimson Tide, Milroe threw for more than 2,800 yards. During that timeframe, the now 22-year-old passer tallied 39 touchdowns through the air and another 32 scores on the ground.
Ideal situation for Milroe. His physical gifts give him a better chance of being a star than maybe any QB in that draft than Ward, but he’s not ready to be that quarterback right now. If he’d gone somewhere like Pittsburgh or New York, people might clamor for him earlier than ready. Good that they can use him in sub packages and try to develop him as a quarterback without expecting him to be a short-term plan at QB.
I see the issue here. Someone forgot the H makes an H sound not a Q sound.
HB not QB
Good that Seattle isn’t lying to itself about “we added a weapon, not a QB” the way the Eagles did with Hurts.
With a guy as athletic as Milroe, any passing ability he brings to the table is a bonus. If he can be even average and throw for like 150 yards and a TD or two per game in addition to dominating with his legs, he’ll be a game changer every Sunday.
Hey Millie,I hate to say it you got great legs but you don’t have no zip on your throws. When you throw those balls looks like LOLLYPOPS them cab and db,s are going to have a picnic with you.WAKE UP MILLIE