Patriots' Joe Milton III gets ringing endorsement from Lions quarterback

With the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, it was apparent the Patriots would select their next franchise quarterback and likely use their remaining picks to bolster the offense. They followed that script almost exclusively, minus the addition of one defensive player, and even double-dipped at quarterback by taking Joe Milton III in the sixth round.

It was a shocking yet well-received decision amongst fans and reporters, mainly because the only quarterbacks on the roster before the draft were Jacoby Brissett, the presumed veteran starter, and unimpressive backup Bailey Zappe.

The Tennessee quarterback was known for having a rocket arm; hence his nickname, "Bazooka Joe," and the fact the Patriots lucked out in taking him in the sixth round felt like fate.

It wasn't because they didn't believe in Drake Maye, but adding another quarterback into the mix felt inevitable, and why not make it a rookie?

Milton seems like the perfect quarterback to play behind Maye, too. They have similar skill sets but also bring out the competition in one another, which will benefit them both and the team. And those in New England aren't the only ones who feel that way, as one of Milton's former teammates, now with the Detroit Lions, raved about him in a recent interview with MassLive.

Hendon Hooker had a lot to say about former teammate Joe Milton III

Former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker worked closely with Milton until he was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 Draft. The pair competed against one another to be the team's starter and through that became close friends and allies.

Hooker spoke to Karen Guregian of MassLive last week about his former teammate and what he expects Milton to do in the NFL. Because some doubt his abilities as a quarterback, with rumors swirling about the possibility he transitions to tight end, Hooker spoke highly of Milton as a quarterback and believes he will be successful in the NFL.

“I definitely do, especially from his cerebral side. He has great recall and a high football IQ. And he’s very personable in the huddle as well. He can get in the huddle, and call the plays very smoothly.

“He’s just a very charismatic guy. He cares about other people. And, he just wants to succeed. He wants others to succeed, as well. He’s very personable. He’s very energetic at times. He’s just dialed in to the task at hand. But a great guy at heart. He just really wants to see everyone win.”

Besides being an incredibly positive assessment of the type of man and player that Milton has been and will be, it's also a great sign of what he will inevitably bring to the Patriots as a part of their roster, which is even more critical since he will be working alongside presumed eventual starter, Drake Maye.

Based on Hooker's comments, Milton is a phenomenal teammate who wants to improve his game and those around him, making him a natural leader and mentor. That will play a significant role in how the offense runs this upcoming season and beyond, which is a nice change after a tumultuous locker room in recent years.

Things already appear to be going smoothly in Foxboro with the new regime and all the new players, including the competing rookie quarterbacks. The team's bond and respect for one another will be the backbone of their success as soon as this upcoming season and could become even more impactful as they continue through the rebuild.

Luckily, it sounds like they'll have some solid leaders helping to run the offense.

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