The New England Patriots made a surprising move in the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III in the sixth round, despite already using their top pick on UNC quarterback Drake Maye. Milton, who stands at 6-foot-5 and weighs 235 pounds, has impressive athleticism and arguably the strongest arm in his draft class. While he comes with concerns about his deep ball accuracy, he showed promise during his time at Tennessee, where he earned the starting job in 2023 and put up solid passing and rushing numbers.
With five quarterbacks now on the roster, including Maye, Milton, Jacoby Brissett, Bailey Zappe, and Nathan Rourke, the Patriots’ decision to draft another QB was unexpected. However, Patriots Insider Phil Perry believes that taking a chance on a talented player like Milton could pay off in the long run. Perry sees Milton’s size and arm strength as valuable assets that could make him a threat on the field. While Milton may need to work on his anticipation and accuracy, Perry believes that the Patriots’ coaching staff can help him improve and make him a more efficient passer.
The Patriots acquired the pick used to select Milton from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Mac Jones trade, essentially swapping Jones for Milton. By pairing Milton with Maye, the Patriots have added depth and excitement to their quarterback room for the 2024 season. While Milton may need time to adjust to the NFL and develop his skills further, the Patriots are taking a calculated gamble on his potential. Despite the concerns about his game, Milton’s physical tools and upside make him a worthwhile investment for New England.
Overall, Perry gives the Patriots an A grade for selecting Milton in the sixth round, praising the team for taking a swing on a player with significant potential. While it may take some time for Milton to adjust to the NFL and refine his game, his size and arm strength make him an intriguing prospect. With the right coaching and development, Milton could emerge as a valuable asset for the Patriots in the future. The decision to draft Milton adds depth and competition to the quarterback position, giving the team options and flexibility moving forward.
The Patriots’ selection of Milton demonstrates their willingness to take risks and invest in promising talent. While the team already has a crowded quarterback room, adding Milton to the mix could create healthy competition and push the other QBs to elevate their game. With the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position following the departure of Tom Brady, the Patriots are taking steps to secure their future and build a strong foundation at the position. Time will tell if the gamble on Milton pays off, but the Patriots are showing confidence in his abilities and potential.
