The New England Patriots made some surprising moves in the recent NFL draft, selecting two quarterbacks to add to their roster. University of Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III was chosen in the sixth round, while North Carolina’s Drake Maye was drafted third overall, marking a double-dip at the quarterback position for the Patriots.
Milton, standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 246 pounds, expressed his surprise at being selected by the Patriots but called it a blessing. He confirmed that all conversations with the team have been focused on him playing quarterback, despite the Patriots already having five quarterbacks on their roster with Jacoby Brissett as the veteran leader.
Milton, who spent three seasons at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee, faced adversity and injuries along the way. However, in his final season at Tennessee, Milton showcased his talent with impressive stats including 20 touchdown passes, 2,813 passing yards, and 299 rushing yards. He even earned the title of MVP in the Orange Bowl after a standout performance against Clemson.
The pick used to select Milton was acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars in March in exchange for Mac Jones, marking the second time in team history that the Patriots have selected two quarterbacks in a single draft. Patriots coach Jerod Mayo emphasized the importance of competition and earning a spot on the team, a sentiment echoed by Milton who is determined to compete for a spot and prove himself on the field.
This selection also marks a special moment for Milton, as he is the first Tennessee player chosen by the Patriots since Jerod Mayo in 2008. Milton is excited to reconnect with Mayo and become a part of the Patriots organization, ready to work hard and earn his place on the team.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Devoted music geek. Troublemaker. Typical analyst. Alcohol practitioner. Food junkie. Passionate tv fan. Web expert.”