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Pahokee native Joe Milton III has 'most upside of any player' ahead of 2024 NFL Draft

emilee smarr, palm beach post
·2 min read

The Muck may be able to add another name to its crowded pro football legacy after this year's NFL Draft.

The countdown to April 25 is on and Pahokee native Joe Milton III is all the buzz in the weeks leading up to the first round of the 2024 selection show in Detroit.

Milton never played varsity football at Pahokee, instead leading Olympia High in Orlando before signing to play college football at Michigan. He later transferred to Tennessee, leading the Vols to win at the 2022 Orange Bowl and a 9-4 record as starter in 2023.

Tennessee QB Joe Milton put his strong arm on display at the combine.
Tennessee QB Joe Milton put his strong arm on display at the combine.

'The most upside of any player in this draft class'

Milton received quite the hype from NFL analyst Brady Quinn in an interview with CBS Sports on Monday:

"No one has the physical gifts that Milton possesses. He's a rare combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism. He can throw off-platform. He's extremely mobile. He's strong in the pocket, and he takes care of the football. Who does he remind me of? Well, a player like Anthony Richardson who oozes with talent and ability."

Sep 2, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) attempts a pass during the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III (7) attempts a pass during the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Quinn referred back to a clip of the 6-foot-5, 235 pound pro-style prospect's performance against Florida in September. Although the Volunteers fell 29-16, Milton impressed with his cannon of an arm, creating 35-yard gains with a "flick of the wrist."

Joe Milton draft projection

More: Michael Penix Jr., Joe Milton lead native Floridians at 2024 Senior Bowl

Impressing teams with his 4.56 40-yard dash during pro day, Milton has a chance to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft thanks to his enormous potential.

However, the 24 year-old is projected to be a late-round pick due to a lack of accuracy that caused trouble throughout his collegiate career.

"So whichever team drafts Joe Milton, they have a bit of a project, but the rewards could be huge in the future," Quinn said.

Emilee Smarr is a sports reporter for the Palm Beach Post. She can be reached via email at esmarr@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: 2024 NFL Draft: Pahokee's Joe Milton III has 'most upside of any player'