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    Former Vols QB Joe Milton tipping the apple cart a bit in New England through the first part of training camp

    By Craig Smith,

    1 day ago

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2XzTTW_0ujgkid600

    Former Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton unquestionably has as good a collection of physical tools as any quarterback in college football.  Perhaps as good as any in a long time.

    Unfortunately, the gifted quarterback was never quite able to put it together between the lines and under the bright lights on Saturdays in Knoxville.

    However, the Patriots liked what they saw from him and valued his upside enough to take a flyer on him late in the draft.  New England tabbed the former Vols QB in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

    Of course, the Patriots took their quarterback of the future with the third overall pick in North Carolina QB Drake Maye.

    With training camp underway, it sounds like nobody told Milton he's fighting to make the roster as the team's third quarterback.  At least if you believe Boston Globe Patriots reporter Ben Volin.  According to Volin, Milton has outplayed Maye through the first six days of camp .

    "You can’t tell which player is the No. 3 overall pick (Maye) and which is the sixth-round flier (Milton)," wrote Volin.

    Milton putting together a hot streak shouldn't be any big surprise to Tennessee fans.  Milton was nothing at Tennessee if not a streaky player.  He showed that with a strong performance in the season's final two games against Vanderbilt and Clemson to end the 2022 season after taking over for Hendon Hooker, who suffered a torn ACL against South Carolina.

    But far too many times in 2023, Milton couldn't make the proper read or thread a tight window over the middle when it was needed.  And despite his incredible athleticism and speed for a player of his size, he remained in the pocket and indecisive far too long.

    That said, everything is now back at zero for Milton, Maye, and every other rookie as they begin the next level of their playing careers.  The odds say that Milton will end up as QB3 on the roster.  After all, the Patriots made a massive draft and financial investment in Maye.  They also have the talented veteran Jacoby Brissett who could end up being the week 1 starter.

    It's a tough spot for Milton to be in.  However, the NFL is about results and finding the best players to win.  If Milton ultimately ends up being the best, he'll get his shot.  We'll see how the rest of training camp plays out, but so far, it sounds like he's doing what he needs to.

    Related: Latest NFL injury update could mean an increased chance for former Tennessee Vol to stick with his team

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