The New England Patriots drafted two quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft: Drake Maye and Joe Milton III. While Maye was a highly touted prospect, Milton slipped to the later rounds despite possessing a cannon for an arm. Can Milton develop his raw talent and become a force in the NFL?
Joe Milton, New England Patriots
Milton’s arm strength is undeniable, drawing comparisons to Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen. However, concerns about his accuracy and decision-making led to his draft-day slide. He now faces an uphill battle to earn playing time, competing with Maye for a spot on the Patriots’ depth chart.
Milton’s Physical Tools and Potential
At 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, Milton has the prototypical build of a modern NFL quarterback. His size and strength make him a difficult target for defenders, and his mobility adds another dimension to his game. NFL quarterbacks coach Donovan Dooley was impressed by Milton’s physique, describing him as an “action figure.” But physical attributes alone won’t guarantee success in the NFL.
The Need for Development
Dooley acknowledges that Milton needs to refine his short and medium passing game. While his deep ball is a major asset, consistency in all areas is crucial for a quarterback to thrive at the professional level. The Patriots have a history of developing quarterbacks, and Milton will need to take advantage of their coaching and resources to reach his full potential. He’ll need to improve his accuracy, footwork, and reading of defenses.
Competition and the Future
Maye’s presence creates intense competition in the Patriots’ quarterback room. Maye, drafted third overall, is considered the more polished prospect and is likely to be the starter. However, Milton’s raw talent and potential could make him a valuable asset for the team in the future. The Patriots may choose to develop him slowly, allowing him to learn from the sidelines before thrusting him into a starting role.
A High-Stakes Gamble
Milton represents a high-risk, high-reward proposition for the Patriots. If he can develop his skills and harness his immense arm strength, he could become a franchise quarterback. But if he fails to progress, he could become another cautionary tale of unfulfilled potential. The pressure is on Milton to prove that he can make the leap to the NFL and justify the Patriots’ faith in him. His rookie contract will be a crucial period for his development, and the team will need to make a decision about his future based on his progress.
Can Milton Defy the Odds?
The NFL is littered with quarterbacks who possessed impressive physical tools but lacked the necessary skills to succeed. Milton’s success hinges on his ability to improve his accuracy, decision-making, and overall understanding of the game. If he can do that, he could become a dominant force in the league and make teams regret passing on him in the draft. Only time will tell if Milton can live up to his potential and become the next great Patriots quarterback.
