As the NFL Draft looms, the New England Patriots, armed with the No. 3 overall pick, are at the center of widespread speculation and anticipation. While the buzz has largely centered around top prospects like LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye, a sleeper pick is quietly gaining attention.
Tennessee’s Joe Milton could be a game-changing selection for the Patriots, reflecting a potentially brilliant strategic depth by the franchise known for its draft surprises.
A Closer Look at Joe Milton’s Potential Impact in New England Patriots
Joe Milton, the robust quarterback from Tennessee, may not dominate pre-draft headlines, but his potential to excel at the professional level cannot be underestimated. Last season, Milton showcased his prowess by throwing for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. He completed 64.7% of his passes and also added 299 rushing yards and seven scores on the ground.
Beyond the numbers, it’s Milton’s physical attributes that stand out. At 6-foot-5 and roughly 240 pounds, Milton possesses a formidable presence and a cannon-like arm, essential tools for a quarterback in the tough environments of the NFL.
Could Joe Milton Be Another Tom Brady?
The Patriots have famously struck gold in the sixth round before—Tom Brady in 2000 is a testament to that. Now, with the sixth-round pick acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Mac Jones trade, New England might be positioning themselves for a repeat of history.
While drawing parallels to Brady is premature, the selection of Milton could be seen as more than just filling a roster spot—it could be a strategic masterstroke by a franchise known for its foresight and planning.
Chris Mason of MassLive.com has projected that the Patriots will select Drake Maye with their third overall pick. However, he also suggests that New England could further bolster their quarterback lineup by picking Milton later in the draft, a move that would add depth and create an intriguing competition at quarterback.
Joe Milton with a Pro Day throw that’ll cause a GM to lose their job.pic.twitter.com/MAvnPtLrGr
— Football’s Greatest Moments (@FBGreatMoments) April 17, 2024
What This Means for the New England Patriots
Drafting Milton could signify a significant shift in strategy for the Patriots, who are clearly preparing to revamp their quarterback roster. Bringing in a player like Milton not only provides them with a promising backup who could develop into a starter but also sends a clear signal to the rest of the league: the Patriots are always in the game of strategic foresight.
Given Milton’s physical attributes and his performance last season, he presents a raw talent with substantial upside. While he may need time to refine his skills at the professional level, his arm strength and ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground could make him an essential asset for the Patriots in the coming years.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Patriots’ decision-making process. Whether they see Joe Milton as the next big sleeper pick remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: New England is once again making moves that could reshape their team and possibly the future of the NFL.
Source- Nflanalysis
