The New England Patriots have doubled their number of quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. After selecting North Carolina’s Drake Maye 3rd overall, Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf returned in the sixth round and selected Tennessee’s Joe Milton III 193rd overall, the pick New England received in the trade that sent Mac Jones to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this offseason.
According to CBS Sports Research, the Patriots are the first team since Washington in 2012 to select two quarterbacks in the first six rounds. That year, Washington took Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III second overall and then Kirk Cousins in the fourth round.
Milton is known for his massive arm, and he’s the kind of player who can knock down a Hail Mary. The ball flies out of his hands like a missile, but some parts of his game will need to be refined.
The Michigan transfer has only started one full season in college, which came last year for the Volunteers. In 12 games played, Milton went 8-4 and completed 64.7% of his passes for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He also ran for 299 yards and 7 scores as well.
There has been some speculation that Milton could move to tight end due to his size. The rookie quarterback said “that will never happen.” via Boston Herald.
Milton initially got the start for Tennessee in 2021, but was replaced by Hendon Hooker, who was drafted by the Detroit Lions last year. Overall, Milton went 13-8 as a collegiate starter, including 11-5 for the Volunteers.
With the addition of Milton, the Patriots now have five quarterbacks on the roster: Maye, Milton, Jacoby Brissett, Nathan Rourke and Bailey Zappe.
Chris Trapasso draft grade: C+
“Will immediately have one of the strongest arms in the NFL. He grew a lot as a passer after transferring to Tennessee. Accuracy is very hit and miss and he’s an average athlete. Reading the coverage should be improve. Great frame.”
