Joe Milton draft projection: 3 best NFL landing spots for Tennessee QB
University of Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton took over the starting role for the Volunteers last season after Hendon Hooker entered the 2023 NFL draft.
In his first season as a full-time starting quarterback in his career, Milton went 8-4, completing 64.8% of passes while throwing for 2,769 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. He added six rushing touchdowns.
After spending the last six seasons in college, after transferring from Michigan to Tennessee, Milton declared for the 2024 NFL draft.
Joe Milton's draft profile in the spotlight
Joe Milton had an unusual college football career.
He started his career with the Michigan Wolverines in 2018 and was with the team for three seasons. He transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2021 and spent the past three seasons there.
Standing 6-foot-5 tall and weighing 244 lbs., Milton has great size for a pro quarterback. He also has a cannon for an arm and can make all of the throws needed in the NFL. He needs to work on his mechanics, accuracy and decision-making to unlock his full potential in the NFL.
Tony Pauline's report on Milton reads:
"Large and athletic signal caller with a next-level arm. Patient in the pocket, buys as much time as necessary and possesses a quick release as well as a live arm. Gets rid of the ball with a flick of his wrist, loses nothing throwing on the run and can make all the passes. Puts tremendous speed on throws and makes a lot of difficult passes due to his arm strength."
Milton ranks at 198 on Pauline's big board of the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Joe Milton draft profile: Best fits for Tennessee QB
Joe Milton is projected to be a mid-late-round draft pick. Some analysts think there's a chance he may be an undrafted free agent.
It's anybody's guess as to when he will be selected especially with this year's QB draft class being deep. He can help boost his draft stock at his pro day.
Here are three teams that should take a chance on Milton in the later rounds of the 2024 NFL draft:
1] Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have room for another quarterback this off-season. Bringing Milton to town could allow him some time to learn the game under Russell Wilson's wing. The experience could work wonders, given the jump from college ball to the NFL.
2] Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles last season, and the team alternated between using Josh Dobbs, Nick Mullens and Kellen Mond.
With Cousins choosing to sign with the Falcons in free agency, the Vikings need a plan at QB. They could draft a QB like Milton in the mid-late rounds as a backup with a chance to take over as a starter if he fits the system.
3] New England Patriots
The New England Patriots hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and will likely use it to select a quarterback. With Jerod Mayo as the new head coach, changes will be made.
Even if the Pats draft a QB early in the draft, drafting Milton in the later rounds could provide backup insurance.