Back in 2012, the Seahawks made a high-profile move by signing free agent quarterback Matt Flynn. However, it was a third-round draft pick who unexpectedly took the starting role during the preseason. Fast forward to this offseason, and the Seahawks find themselves in a similar situation. After distancing themselves from the Russell Wilson era, they’ve signed Sam Darnold and drafted Jalen Milroe in the third round.
But don’t expect Milroe to steal the spotlight like a young Wilson did. Seattle’s defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, is firmly in Darnold’s corner. In a chat with Seattle Sports 710-AM, he dismissed any notion of Milroe stepping onto the field as the starter in Week 1 against the 49ers. “No, you guys are crazy,” Macdonald stated emphatically. “I respect that you’ve got to ask it, but it’s just a crazy question. It’s not going to happen. Sam’s our starting quarterback. We love him. He’s doing a tremendous job.”
Now, we all know that comments made during radio interviews can be a bit soft, especially coming from a coach. However, given the circumstances surrounding the Seahawks, it seems unlikely Milroe will be seen in the starting role during his rookie year. And while Alabama fans might be eager to see their former standout in action on Sundays, a little extra time on the sidelines may serve Milroe better than an immediate debut.
As for the initial hype surrounding Milroe after his electrifying performance against Georgia, that excitement gradually waned as he faced challenges with the Alabama offense later in the season. Yet, even amidst those struggles, his unique combination of athleticism and a strong arm made him an intriguing prospect during the draft process.
Physical tools are one thing, but Milroe’s collegiate film does raise some concerns. There were instances where he seemed overwhelmed by complex defensive schemes, leading to issues with pre-snap protections and pocket awareness. While he undoubtedly possesses the speed necessary to evade defenders, he often abandoned passing opportunities, opting instead to scramble when pressure mounted.
Now, take Jalen Hurts, another former Alabama QB, as an example. Hurts has proven that a quarterback with high rushing volume can drastically elevate an offense’s ground game, forcing defenses to adapt and leaving them vulnerable. This dynamic can decrease the quarterback’s passing requirements if everything runs smoothly, but the catch here is that Milroe still faces significant hurdles.
Milroe’s performances against strong defensive teams like Oklahoma and Michigan demonstrated how his rushing ability could be neutralized when opposing defenses focused on containing him. His progress as a passer in an NFL context is still a work in progress, which is precisely why the Seahawks took a measured approach in drafting him.
What Seattle is clearly valuing is patience. They recognized Milroe for the potential he holds as a mid-round project rather than someone ready to step in immediately. He’ll surely flash his wow-factor during training camp and preseason, but for the time being, it’s crucial to let this promising quarterback grow and develop without the pressures of the starting job. Balancing his development with the demands of the NFL is a wise choice, ensuring that when Milroe is ready, he’ll be maximized for success.
