As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most captivating prospects making the rounds is Tennessee’s Joe Milton III. This towering quarterback, standing at an impressive 6-foot-5 and weighing 235 pounds, has not only captured the attention of NFL scouts with his formidable physical attributes but has also sparked comparisons to former NFL MVP Cam Newton. His performance, particularly during pro day showcases where he fired several passes beyond 70 yards, has left many speculating about his future impact in the NFL.
Joe Milton III: A Raw Talent with a High Ceiling
Despite his impressive physical prowess and undeniable arm strength, Milton remains a work in progress. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, while Milton has demonstrated moments of brilliance, his overall football IQ and accuracy still need refinement.
“He’s got shades of [Cam Newton] based on his ability—but his football acumen and his accuracy are issues,” an AFC scout explained. This blend of raw ability and needed growth makes Milton one of the draft’s most intriguing figures.
REPORT: Tennessee QB Joe Milton III will eventually transition to tight end in the #NFL, some teams believe 👀
Milton is 6-foot-5, 236 pounds.
(Via @TheAthletic) pic.twitter.com/m62WgDwEsv
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) April 17, 2024
At his recent pro day, Joe Milton III not only showcased his rocket arm but also displayed notable athleticism, running a 4.55 40-yard dash at 245 pounds. Over his collegiate career split between Michigan and Tennessee, Milton completed 61.5 percent of his passes, amassing 37 touchdowns and maintaining a solid passer rating of 146.1. However, it’s his low interception count and promising touchdown-to-interception ratio that hints at a latent potential yet to be fully tapped.
The Path Forward: Development and Opportunity
Projected by NFL.com’s draft expert Lance Zierlein as a potential fifth-round pick, Joe Milton III is viewed as a low-risk, high-reward player. Teams looking for a developmental quarterback might see him as an ideal project.
“He’s a developmental player that someone will take a chance on and hope they can mold him into an NFL quarterback,” noted an NFL personnel evaluator. This sentiment is reinforced by his lack of extensive football experience, which presents him as a somewhat blank canvas, ripe for the right coaching staff to develop.
Potential NFL Destinations and Strategic Fits
Joe Milton III’s next steps are already drawing interest from several NFL teams. He recently had visits with the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots. Among these, the Browns could be a particularly strategic fit. Under the guidance of head coach Kevin Stefanski, known for his offensive acumen, Milton could thrive without the immediate pressure to start, given the presence of established quarterbacks like Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston.
Conclusion: A Diamond in the Rough
Joe Milton III embodies the archetype of a ‘diamond in the rough’ in this year’s NFL Draft. His journey from a raw prospect to a potential NFL starter is laden with both challenges and promises. If he lands in the right environment, where his skills can be honed and his weaknesses addressed, Milton could very well exceed expectations and emerge as one of the steals of the draft. His progression will be a testament to the blend of innate talent and meticulous development that defines NFL success stories.
Source: Yardbarker
