Strong Message to NFL Teams: The Case for Joe Milton
As the NFL draft season approaches, analysts and scouts alike turn their attention to the quarterbacks who have the potential to become franchise-changing players. Among these quarterbacks is Joe Milton, the former Tennessee Volunteers signal-caller, who has made a significant impression during his time in Knoxville. For those who have been closely monitoring Milton’s development, there is an increasing belief that his skill set could translate into success at the next level, despite the skepticism that surrounds his consistency and decision-making.
Milton is an athlete whose physical tools are undeniable. He boasts one of the strongest arms college football has ever seen, but his story is much more complex than that. Despite the raw talent, Milton has often been overshadowed by his inconsistency and struggles with accuracy, which have led to mixed opinions on his potential in the NFL. However, after taking a closer look at his time at Tennessee, it’s clear that Joe Milton’s upside should make NFL teams sit up and take notice.
The Physical Tools That Separate Milton
At 6’5″ and over 240 pounds, Milton is an imposing figure with the size and stature that NFL teams covet in their quarterbacks. His physical traits extend beyond just his size—his arm strength is elite, and it’s one of the reasons why he’s been compared to some of the strongest-armed quarterbacks in recent memory. There are few quarterbacks who can throw the football with the velocity and distance that Milton can.
Milton’s deep ball is a particular area of intrigue. He can effortlessly launch passes 60, 70, even 80 yards downfield. His cannon of an arm allows him to fit the ball into tight windows that most quarterbacks could only dream of attempting. This kind of arm strength is a weapon that can stretch defenses, open up offensive playbooks, and keep defensive coordinators up at night. In an NFL where the passing game continues to evolve and deep shots have become a staple, Milton’s arm presents a potential game-changer for any offense.
Moreover, Milton is an athletic quarterback who can extend plays with his legs. While he may not be the most fleet-footed quarterback in terms of pure speed, his size and strength allow him to shake off tacklers and extend drives with his legs when needed. His mobility and ability to make plays outside the pocket are assets that should not be overlooked in a league where dual-threat quarterbacks are becoming more prevalent.
The Struggles: Inconsistencies and Decision-Making
It would be disingenuous to ignore the concerns surrounding Joe Milton’s game. Inconsistent accuracy and struggles with decision-making have been the primary knocks on his performance. At times, Milton has shown the ability to make jaw-dropping throws, but other times, he has been plagued by poor decisions and errant passes.
Milton’s accuracy on short to intermediate throws is perhaps his biggest area for improvement. While he has the arm strength to make any throw on the field, his touch on short-range passes has often been lacking. Overthrowing or underthrowing easy passes is a recurring issue, and this inconsistency could translate to struggles at the next level, where NFL defenses are far more capable of capitalizing on mistakes.
His decision-making has also been called into question, especially when it comes to reading defenses and knowing when to release the ball. Milton has sometimes held on to the ball too long, resulting in sacks or forced passes into tight coverage. The speed and complexity of NFL defenses will be a significant jump from what Milton faced in college, and his ability to process the game more quickly will be paramount for his success at the next level.
The Growth and Potential
Despite these concerns, it’s important to note that Milton has shown significant growth over his college career. His time at Tennessee, particularly under offensive coordinator Josh Heupel, has been crucial in his development. Heupel’s system, which emphasizes quick throws, downfield shots, and a fast-paced tempo, has helped Milton improve his comfort level in the pocket. Moreover, Milton had the opportunity to sit behind Hendon Hooker for a portion of the 2022 season, and this experience allowed him to refine his decision-making and learn from a quarterback who excelled in Heupel’s system.
Milton’s improvement during the 2023 season was evident. He demonstrated a better understanding of his offensive system, and while his accuracy still wasn’t perfect, he was able to make more consistent throws than in years past. Additionally, his increased comfort with reading defenses, going through progressions, and making quicker decisions in the pocket was noticeable. His mechanics, particularly in his lower body, seemed more refined, suggesting that his accuracy could improve with more coaching and development at the next level.
One of the most encouraging signs for NFL teams is Milton’s adaptability. Throughout his college career, he has had to adjust to different systems and playing styles. This speaks to his willingness to learn and grow, traits that are highly valued in the NFL. If Milton continues to develop his game and refine his mechanics, he could very well become a much more polished quarterback at the next level.
What NFL Teams Should Expect
When considering Joe Milton as a potential NFL draft pick, teams need to understand both the risk and reward. The risk is obvious—Milton is still a raw talent who has shown significant inconsistency, especially in the most critical moments. His accuracy and decision-making remain works in progress, and it’s possible that he may take time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NFL.
However, the potential reward is also apparent. With his elite arm strength and athleticism, Milton has the physical traits to be a dominant force in the NFL if he can put everything together. He has the ability to make throws that very few quarterbacks in the league can, and with the right coaching, he could develop into a quarterback who can not only manage the game but also elevate the play of those around him.
For NFL teams looking to take a chance on a high-upside prospect, Joe Milton is an intriguing option. His athleticism and arm strength give him a ceiling that few quarterbacks can match. However, teams need to be willing to invest time in developing him. A patient team with a strong quarterback coach could see Milton evolve into a top-tier quarterback over time.
