Seahawks' Jalen Milroe flashes growth as a pocket passer in NFL preseason debut

One of the more promising rookie quarterback performances in Week 1 of the preseason came from Seahawks third-round pick Jalen Milroe. Against the Las Vegas Raiders, he completed six of his 10 passes for 61 yards and added 38 rushing yards on three attempts. It was a sharper, more polished showing than much of what he put on tape at Alabama.

Milroe’s impressive traits

The biggest positive was that Milroe looked like a quarterback who happens to be athletic, not just an athlete playing quarterback. He was more willing to work through his reads instead of immediately taking off when his first option was not available, which was a frequent issue in college. He also threw in rhythm more consistently, improving his accuracy and timing.

His mobility remains a clear strength, and Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak took advantage of it. Milroe was put in sprint-out situations that allowed him to make big throws on the move, and his dynamic running ability was on display when he broke off an explosive sideline run. That mobility helped him rush for 1,577 yards and 33 touchdowns in college, and it translates well to Seattle’s offense.

There were still concerns. On just his second pass of the night, Milroe nearly threw an interception into tight coverage. He also faced mostly second- and third-string defenders, many of whom will not make the Raiders’ final roster. Some of the throws he attempted in this game will not work against NFL starters. In a two-minute drill late in the game, he took a sack on 3rd-and-10 instead of throwing the ball away, something he will need to correct.

Realistically, Milroe is likely to spend most of this season as the Seahawks’ third-string quarterback behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock. That is not a bad thing because it gives him time to develop as a pocket passer and cut out some of the bad habits from college. If he continues to refine his game, there is a legitimate chance he could compete for a starting role three or four years from now, especially if Darnold struggles.