RENTON, Wash. — The Seattle Seahawks selected former University of Alabama standout Jalen Milroe in the third round of the NFL draft Friday night.
The 6-foot-2, 217-pound quarterback started two seasons for the Crimson Tide, racking up 45 passing touchdowns and another 33 on the ground during 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 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 he acknowledged that offseason signee Sam Darnold is still the projected starter behind center.
“Sam’s going to take by far and away over 90% of our snaps this year,” MacDonald said. “However, (if) 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.”