The NFL has a history of rookie quarterbacks sitting behind established veterans before rising to prominence. This season, Jalen Milroe seems to be on a similar path while backing up Sam Darnold in Seattle. Drafted in the third round, Milroe is now in a position to learn and develop his skills, much like Jordan Love and others who waited patiently before stepping into starting roles.
Milroe was expected by scouts to be drafted earlier due to his exceptional athleticism, but falling to the third round allowed the Seahawks to secure a potentially valuable talent. Despite his physical gifts, Milroe is considered a raw prospect who needs significant improvement in areas such as pocket awareness, processing speed, and reading defenses, which makes his apprenticeship behind Darnold essential for his growth.
Learning Behind Veteran Leadership and Coaching
The Seahawks entrusted Sam Darnold with a three-year contract worth $100.5 million this offseason, providing Milroe with time to develop without the immediate pressure to start. This setup creates a rare opportunity for the rookie to absorb experience from an established quarterback while fine-tuning his game.
Kurt Benkert, a former NFL quarterback and Alabama alumnus, views Milroe’s situation optimistically. He believes the NFL’s evolving style suits Milroe’s talents and sees him potentially outperforming his college career.
“Jalen Milroe is going to be a better NFL QB in my opinion than he will have been in college. I think the way the game is moving suits him a little bit better. I think he is going to be a problem in the league. And look at how it’s worked out for some of the other teams, look at the Packers. Different profile player, Jordan Love, sat out for a few years, was able to learn and hit the ground running, and got his $55 million a year contract.” —Kurt Benkert, Former NFL Quarterback
This perspective highlights the parallel between Milroe’s current path and Jordan Love’s gradual integration into the Packers’ offense, reinforcing the benefits of patience and development.
Meanwhile, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has praised Milroe’s dedication during preseason. The rookie’s commitment to arriving early and putting in extra hours studying the playbook and improving his mechanics demonstrates a work ethic that might propel him forward.
Comparisons to Russell Wilson and Developmental Challenges
Among the comparisons drawn is the similarity to Russell Wilson, another third-round Seahawks quarterback who defied expectations to become a franchise cornerstone. Like Wilson, Milroe possesses a strong arm, athleticism, and playmaking confidence. Yet unlike Wilson, Milroe still needs to advance his understanding of defensive schemes and improve ball placement—skills that Wilson exhibited early in his pro career.
With Darnold’s mentorship and ongoing training, Milroe may bridge these gaps in his game. His athletic gifts combined with mental development could enable Milroe to evolve from a raw rookie into a reliable NFL starter.
What the Future Holds for Milroe and the Seahawks
If Milroe can enhance his mental processing and refine his decision-making under pressure, the Seahawks might be cultivating their next long-term quarterback. His path is uncertain and fraught with challenges, but the foundation is in place for a promising career following the model set by Jordan Love and others who took time to grow in the league.
The coming months and seasons will reveal if Milroe’s effort and environment translate into success, and whether he can live up to the potential that many believe is within his reach.