The New York Jets already have many choices at quarterback, but if the team wants to find a long-term replacement, then Joe Milton III from Tennessee could be an appealing development project.
ESPN’s Matt Miller published his seven-round mock draft for the 2024 NFL Draft on Wednesday, March 27. The mock featured several interesting picks for the Jets, but was highlighted by the team selecting Joe Milton with the second-to-last pick in the seventh round.
Lance Zierlein from NFL Network projects Milton to be an average backup quarterback in the NFL, but does believe that he has some very intriguing traits.
“Milton is gifted with a cannon for a right arm and can throw the ball as hard or as far as you want,” Zierlein wrote. “The physical ingredients could get him drafted on Day 3, but his lack of development over six seasons discourages his projection.”
While scouts are not very optimistic about Milton’s potential, the opportunity to learn from a future Hall of Fame quarterback like Aaron Rodgers could assist him in his professional development.
Joe Milton’s Path to the NFL
Although he’s no longer seen as a top quarterback prospect, Milton was once considered one of the most fascinating QBs in college football.
Hailing from Orlando, Milton was a 4-star recruit according to 247Sports composite rankings. His offers included top SEC programs like Georgia and LSU, but he chose to initially play for the Michigan Wolverines.
Milton had limited opportunities in three seasons with the Wolverines. Once J.J. McCarthy emerged as the eventual starter, Milton opted to transfer in search of another eventual starting opportunity, leading him to the Tennessee Volunteers.
The 6’5″ quarterback had to wait until 2023 to get his chance to be a starter but was unable to lead the Volunteers to a breakout season, going 9-4. He concluded his time in Knoxville with 32 passing touchdowns and just five interceptions, adding another 511 yards and nine scores on the ground.
Now, Milton is entering the NFL with an ideal physique at 6’5″ and 235 pounds. His arm strength has been well documented, even going viral back in 2023 for appearing to throw a football 85 yards.
However, due to many other inefficiencies in his game, Milton likely won’t hear his name called until the later rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Brock Bowers Highlights Other Mock Draft Picks
Milton wasn’t the only notable player Miller had the Jets drafting. The ESPN analyst’s mock draft also included the Jets selecting All-American tight end Brock Bowers with the No. 10 pick.
Bowers has been seen as an inevitable draft pick for the Jets, giving Rodgers a weapon in the middle of the field to alleviate some of the pressure off of Mike Williams and Garrett Wilson.
Miller also had the Jets choosing high-flying safety prospect Kamren Kinchens from Miami as a potential starter.
“Kinchens could come in and immediately push free safety Tony Adams with his ball skills (11 interceptions over the past two years) and ability to play post safety,” Miller wrote.
Other Jets picks included Louisville receiver Jamari Thrash, South Dakota State lineman Garret Greenfield, and Arizona tight end Tanner McLachlan.
