If elite arm talent were the only criteria used to evaluate the incoming quarterback prospects for the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, Tennessee’s Joe Milton III would probably be the top-ranked QB in this draft class. Unfortunately, Milton’s rocket launcher of a right arm isn’t enough to overlook some of the deficiencies and inconsistencies we saw during his days as a Volunteer.
Instead, Milton enters the draft as an intriguing prospect. He has prototypical size (6’5”, 235 ppunds) and arm strength that rivals the top-tier talents in the NFL. Yet, he’ll likely be labeled as a project instead of a surefire starter at the professional level because of his unrefined footwork, questionable decision-making, and inconsistencies getting past the first read in his progression.
After the top six quarterbacks go off the board, where are some of the best landing spots for Milton in the 2024 NFL Draft to potentially unlock his limitless potential?
Which Teams Could Draft Joe Milton?
New York Giants
Brian Daboll had a profoundly positive impact on the development of another big-armed, raw quarterback prospect during his days with the Buffalo Bills. In case you are unaware of the player I am referring to — it’s Josh Allen.
The New York Giants have Daniel Jones under contract through 2026, but another terrible start from the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft could force Daboll to go in a different direction in an attempt to save his job.
I’m not suggesting Milton needs to see the field in 2024. He would benefit immensely from sitting a year or two to work on the sloppy mechanics of his game and familiarize himself with running an NFL offense.
Daboll managed to get the best out of Jones in 2022, which certainly suggests he could be an ideal coach for Milton to be paired with to start his NFL career.
Seattle Seahawks
Ryan Grubb is the new offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. His offense was about as wide-open and high-flying as you could get at the collegiate level over the last two years.
Michael Penix Jr.‘s production took off in this scheme and could do wonders for this Seahawks offense, which is loaded with talent at wide receiver with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
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Geno Smith is penciled in as the starter, and the team acquired Sam Howell via trade this offseason, but Milton’s physical tools could make for an interesting project in this offense.
Grubb’s system does include RPO concepts, which Milton is capable of running at a sufficient level. If Milton can add to his game, then he is certainly worth a Day 3 pick to see how well he picks up this offense.
Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams saw a major bounce-back season from quarterback Matthew Stafford last year, but he’s entering his age-36 season. While the prime of his career is likely behind him, the Rams aren’t in the market for a starter this year, providing a potential landing spot for a developmental prospect like Milton.
Milton’s upside, when paired with an offensive-minded guru, could provide the type of situation where a talented player could reach his potential.
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Los Angeles head coach Sean McVay managed to get the most out of multiple Day 3 picks last year, namely Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams (a 2022 selection), and could certainly visualize ways to use Milton’s exceptional arm strength once he is up to speed.
After all, Stafford did attempt the second-most passes of 30+ yards last season (28), trailing only Brock Purdy.
Milton may not see the field for a while behind Stafford, but this project could return big dividends if McVay manages to optimize him.
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