Can Joe Milton be a first-round QB in 2024 NFL Draft?
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (BVM) – Throughout the 2022 season, the draft stock of Kentucky quarterback Will Levis has been a polarizing topic.
Some scouts point to his big arm, his 6-foot-3, 232-pound frame and his running ability to draw comparisons to Josh Allen. Others will look at his turnover issues and question why he is in the mix as a first-round talent.
But NFL talent evaluators look more at traits rather than production.
While Levis has not had the most eye-popping collegiate stats, there may be something for organizations to tap into at the next level.
Tennessee is currently being led by the potential Heisman Trophy frontrunner in Hendon Hooker, but can Joe Milton be the next Levis in the 2024 draft?
Many forget that Milton beat out Hooker for the starting job in 2021 before Hooker seized his opportunity in a game against Pittsburgh.
Next season, the quarterback position will be up for grabs once again.
Milton, who has one year of eligibility left, will likely compete with Tayven Jackson and coveted incoming freshman Nico Iamaleava for the starting role.
Last season, there were mixed emotions about Milton from the Volunteer fanbase with consistent overthrows and a critical mistake late in the game against Ole Miss.
But with Tennessee’s success in 2022, everybody on the roster is pretty beloved at this point.
During blowouts throughout the season, few fans leave Neyland Stadium early, as they are waiting to see some highlight plays from Milton.
Possessing one of the strongest arms in college football, there is a different sense of excitement when he uncorks one deep.
The more I watch this the more ridiculous this throw is from Joe Milton pic.twitter.com/hsvyCc4FPR
— zach ragan (@zachTNT) November 14, 2022
When comparing Milton to Levis, not only is he bigger, but the production questions might not exist in Josh Heupel’s quarterback-friendly offense.
Hooker’s name has already been flirted with as a first-round pick and if Milton can step in next season and continue to lead arguably the most explosive offense in the country, the Volunteers could produce back-to-back first-round quarterbacks for the first time in program history.
