In the 2024 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots made an unexpected move by selecting two quarterbacks. With their third overall pick, they drafted Drake Maye from North Carolina. Later in the sixth round, they added Joe Milton III from Tennessee.
Milton finished his college career with Tennessee after being sent off to the NFL with hopes of a team falling for his big arm. He completed 64.7 percent of his passes for 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2023, showcasing impressive deep ball accuracy and mobility within the pocket.
Despite these strengths, Milton may not see immediate playing time behind entrenched starter Drake Maye. The Patriots showed their conviction in Maye by turning down trade offers and doubling down on their selection of him.
Milton was picked six spots ahead of where Tom Brady was selected in the 2000 NFL Draft, adding to the intrigue surrounding his potential impact on the team. ESPN's Mike Reiss suggested that Milton could be converted to play a different position such as tight end due to his impressive athleticism and size.
The Patriots entered the final day of the draft with five picks, focusing on offensive additions. They selected guard Layden Robinson from Texas A&M in the fourth round and wide receiver Javon Baker from Central Florida in the sixth round. The sole pick made on defense came in the sixth round when they selected cornerback Marcellas Dial from South Carolina.
The Patriots' decision to draft two quarterbacks has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some praising their commitment to building a strong roster and others questioning the need for such a move. Only time will tell if Milton can live up to the hype and contribute meaningfully to the team.
