If you’ve heard this story before, hold on a second: The New England Patriots selected the former University of Michigan quarterback in the sixth round of the draft and he’s quickly become a hot topic.
Despite facing a third-string Panthers player in the Patriots’ preseason opener, Joe Milton looked calm, composed and energized with his arm and legs on Thursday night.
Jacoby Brissett, projected to be the starter in Week 1, was only allowed to drive once in one preseason game, and Drake Maye, the team’s first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was also only allowed to drive once.
Veteran Bailey Zappe got the majority of the snaps, with Milton taking over late in the third quarter to loud cheers from the crowd.
Milton completed 4 of 6 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown and also ran for 22 more yards in New England’s 17-3 win in Foxborough.
“Honestly, Joe was Joe,” rookie receiver Javon Baker said. According to Mass Live. “He can do it all. He’s got the legs. He’s got the arm and, you know, he can throw the ball. Joe can definitely do it all.”
In one highlight, Milton faced four defenders on third down after the offensive line collapsed, then scrambled wildly past them to gain 12 yards and a first down.
“I’ve never run like that in such a long time,” Milton, 24, told Mass Live with a laugh.
He then completed a 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver JaQue Jackson.
If Milton continues to perform well in the preseason, Zappe may not be needed.
Milton, who has a rocket-like arm, spent six seasons in college, splitting his time evenly between Michigan and Tennessee.
He finally earned himself a starting role for the Volunteers last season, throwing for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions as Tennessee went 9-4.
Tennessee began the season ranked 12th in the country but it was a disappointing season with losses to SEC rivals Florida, Alabama, Missouri and Georgia.
NFL insider Albert Breer was quick to pour cold water on “Joe Milton Mania.”
“New England’s overall lack of college football knowledge makes it a perfect target for Joe Milton mania,” Breer tweeted Thursday night.
Maye, the No. 3 overall draft pick, struggled at times during training camp.
The Boston Globe previously reported that it’s difficult to pinpoint which quarterbacks are prospects for the first round.
Milton often does standing backflips in practice and can drive the ball 70 yards.
Six quarterbacks were selected in the first round, but Milton had to wait until the 193rd pick to hear his name called as the ninth quarterback.
