When the Seattle Seahawks picked former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe with the 92nd overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, fans in the Emerald City were fired up. Milroe took part in his first NFL practice on Friday as Seattle kicked off its rookie minicamp.
“My parents joked that it was like my first day of school,” Milroe said with a smile. “They took a bunch of pictures after practice. But, no, it’s definitely cool to be an NFL quarterback, get my feet wet, get acclimated with everything. And so it was definitely a dream come true, for sure.”
But Friday didn’t mark Milroe’s true introduction to the Seahawks. That began almost immediately after Seattle drafted him in the third round on April 25. “The next day I got the playbook,” remarked the Seahawks rookie, “so it was a quick turnaround for sure. Definitely now, this is my job.
Milroe said he spent time studying several NFL quarterbacks after Alabama’s season ended, preparing himself for the jump to an unfamiliar team and offensive scheme.
“This past offseason I did a lot of studying of Brock Purdy, Joe Burrow, Geno Smith and Lamar Jackson,” Jalen Milroe remarked.
Jalen Milroe in the Lab for the Seahawks
Milroe often draws comparisons to Lamar Jackson because of their similar running styles, but it was Brock Purdy who provided the most useful model during his offseason film study. Despite Purdy’s modest 480 rushing yards over 40 regular-season games, his decision-making and efficiency stood out. The Seahawks have already introduced Purdy’s tape in meetings, giving Milroe an early look at how he could operate within Seattle’s offensive scheme.
The 22-year-old brings a rare blend of athleticism that sets him apart from nearly every quarterback who’s come through the NFL. He clocked a blazing 4.37-second 40-yard dash at Alabama’s pro day, boasts a rocket arm, and finished his college career with 33 rushing touchdowns—the most ever by a Crimson Tide quarterback.
The Seahawks have two other quarterbacks on the roster, including Sam Darnold, who signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal with Seattle in March. After backing up Brock Purdy in 2023, Darnold took over in Minnesota the following year, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 finish and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2024.
Seattle also brought back Drew Lock on a two-year, $5 million contract in April. Lock rejoined the Seahawks after starting two games for them in 2023 and five for the New York Giants in 2024. He previously held the starting job for the Denver Broncos during the 2020 season.
Milroe’s transition to the NFL is just beginning, but his unique skill set and dedication to learning could make him a key part of Seattle’s future. As he continues to acclimate to the team and the offense, he could be a valuable asset for Seattle as he continues to develop.
