RENTON, Wa. (AP) 鈥 For all the million-dollar smiles Jalen Milroe flashed following his first practice with the Seahawks, it’s clear Seattle’s third-round draft pick means business.
Milroe’s diligent approach stems from his being raised by military parents. His father, Quentin, served in the Marine Corps while his mother, Lola, served in the Navy. Both were on hand for the opening of the Seahawks’ rookie minicamp on Friday.
鈥淗aving two military parents, you definitely emphasize determination. Grit. Goals, short-term goals and long-term goals, and understanding that it takes a team,鈥 Milroe said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 believe in the word self-made at all. It takes a team to accomplish what you want to accomplish. So, my team was here today at practice.鈥
So, too, was Milroe鈥檚 passing potential. He worked through the route tree and showed impressive touch on deep throws.
Milroe, who completed 64% of his passes at Alabama with 45 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, has spent the last year and a half working on his mechanics with former NFL quarterback Jordan Palmer in San Clemente, California. Palmer has also worked with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and even Seattle’s new starter, Sam Darnold.
Milroe has gained a better understanding of the role his lower body plays in making strong, accurate throws.
鈥淓very quarterback is different,鈥 Milroe said. 鈥淎nd so, doing a really deep understanding of how my body functions at the quarterback position for how I throw the ball. And so, understanding how to distribute my body when it comes to my lower-half mechanics and things like that. That鈥檚 been a focus for us. And so with that, it鈥檚 all about being an efficient passer.鈥
Tight end Elijah Arroyo, a second-round pick, appreciated catching passes from Milroe.
鈥淚 can鈥檛 really explain it. I鈥檓 not a quarterback,鈥 Arroyo said. 鈥淏ut just the way he throws the ball, the way he moves. He has a chance to be an elite quarterback at the highest level.鈥
Odds are Milroe will do a lot more sitting than competing early in his NFL career. Darnold, after all, signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract this offseason. The Seahawks also brought in veteran backup Drew Lock.
None of that is to suggest the 22-year-old Milroe intends on coasting in his first year as a pro. He said he began studying the Seahawks’ playbook the day after he was drafted.
鈥淚t was a quick turnaround for sure,鈥 Milroe said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely now, this is my job. Now I know where I鈥檓 going to be. It鈥檚 a long process for sure.鈥
Milroe has some familiarity with having to learn new a new offensive system. He worked alongside three offensive coordinators with the Crimson Tide. Last season, Milroe operated with an entirely new coaching staff, too, after Nick Saban called it quits on as decorated a coaching career as any in college football.
Seattle also has a new offensive coordinator this year. Klint Kubiak was hired in January after one season in the same position with the New Orleans Saints.
鈥淲e saw football in different lenses with each coordinator,鈥 Milroe said. 鈥淵ou have different terminology. You have different formation adjustments.鈥
One familiar thing for Milroe on his first full workday as a pro: having his parents with him.
鈥淢y parents made a joke, 鈥業t鈥檚 like your first day of class today,鈥 and they took a bunch of pictures after practice,鈥 Milroe said. 鈥淏ut no, it鈥檚 definitely cool to be an NFL quarterback, to get my feet wet, get acclimated with everything. It was definitely a dream come true for sure.鈥
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