Former NFL head coach raves about Tennessee QB Joe Milton
There's a saying that good things come to those who wait. Well, Tennessee Volunteers QB Joe Milton finally might be getting his due in a big way. After transferring from Michigan to Tennessee and losing the starting QB job to Hendon Hooker, Milton has patiently waited his turn in the spotlight. After Hooker suffered a […]
There's a saying that good things come to those who wait. Well, Tennessee Volunteers QB Joe Milton finally might be getting his due in a big way.
After transferring from Michigan to Tennessee and losing the starting QB job to Hendon Hooker, Milton has patiently waited his turn in the spotlight. After Hooker suffered a dreadful ACL tear against South Carolina in the penultimate game of the 2022 regular season, Milton took over under center for the Vols' last two games.
Although not perfect, Milton led the Vols to convincing victories over Vanderbilt and Clemson in the Orange Bowl. Along the way, Milton's splash plays have given Vol fans hope that the good times and big plays from 2021-2022 are likely to continue in 2023.
And it's not just the fans that have been impressed with Milton's ridiculous natural talent. The media and draft pundits have taken notice as well. Pro Football Focus included Milton among 10 draft-eligible quarterbacks to watch in 2023.
Former Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman, who writes for the 33rd team, evaluated Milton and sees him as a true prototype NFL quarterback, even seeing potential comparisons forthcoming to two great NFL quarterbacks.
"This young man has the makings of an NFL prototype quarterback," Trestman wrote. "With his size, athletic ability and excellent arm strength, Milton will likely receive comparisons to Cam Newton and even Josh Allen in the pre-draft process. There are subjective differences, but I expect it to be a starting point."
Trestman was a big fan of Milton's accuracy on deep passes, which is interesting, given the struggles Milton had with accuracy and placement on deep passes in early 2021. Without question he was more on the money his last two games and when given the opportunity in reserve roles (i.e., vs. Missouri in 2022).
But it's Milton's poise that impresses Trestman the most.
Within the pocket, Milton is courageous and poised. He climbs the pocket or slides to a quiet area to complete a throwing motion when pressured. Milton will also work through his progressions and make full-field reads when afforded time. He is a quick decision-maker and is clearly coached on many pass concepts to initially look away from his primary side to move the coverage.
While noting that Milton, like any college QB, can get reckless with the ball, Trestman mentioned Milton's need to make more plays outside of the pocket this fall.
One of the most important things Milton must improve on to take full advantage of his athleticism is making more plays outside the pocket. He is athletic enough and adept at escaping the pocket, but overall, he did not make enough great plays once he broke contain with his legs or arm. On multiple occasions, I observed poorly located throws on the run, costing him opportunities to create first downs or explosive plays.
Fans across the country have done double takes at the bombs that Milton unleashed in 2022. The videos of him launching footballs and oranges ridiculous distances have also gone viral. But it's taking care of the little things – making the right reads, throwing with proper mechanics, etc. – that could make Milton an NFL QB after this season. And it's nice to see someone inside the business see that he has that potential.
If he starts to live up to it this fall, it could be another memorable ride for Tennessee fans.
Joe Milton lays out his goals on national TV for Tennessee Football in 2023
Vols quarterback Joe Milton laid out his goals for Tennessee Football in 2023 on national television
Featured image via Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
