Could the Indianapolis Colts draft quarterback Joe Milton? The team isn’t in desperate need of a quarterback. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take one in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Milton, who starred for the Tennessee Volunteers, is projected to go in the sixth round. With that said, he isn’t expected to be a starter immediately.
The Colts have their franchise quarterback in Anthony Richardson. Drafting Milton would give the team depth in the quarterback room.
It wouldn’t be foolish for any team to take a quarterback late in the draft. Quarterbacks get hurt all the time. The Cleveland Browns started five different signal-callers last season. The Minnesota Vikings started four.
Indianapolis Colts Should Draft Joe Milton
Collegiate Career
Joe Milton began his career at the University of Michigan. He backed up starter Shea Patterson for the first two seasons. During those years, he threw for 117 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. He also rushed for two scores.
In 2020, Milton played all six games for the Wolverines (pandemic-shortened season). He passed for 1,077 yards and four touchdowns.
Milton then transferred to Tennessee, where he spent his final three seasons. He threw for 1,346 yards and 12 touchdowns during his first two years.
2023 was the best season of his career. The Florida native passed for 2,813 yards and 20 touchdowns. He also ran for 299 yards and seven scores.
Why the Colts Should Draft Joe Milton
Star quarterback Andrew Luck retired in 2019. The Colts had a tough time trying to replace the four-time Pro Bowler. Over the years, the team brought in guys like Philip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and Matt Ryan.
It looks like they’ve finally found their guy in Anthony Richardson. Although he missed most of his rookie year due to injury, he showed flashes of greatness when he did play. He’ll return in 2024, primed for a breakout season.
The Colts signed Joe Flacco to be Richardson’s backup. Sam Ehlinger is the No. 3 quarterback on the roster.
Joe Milton would be an upgrade over Ehlinger. At 6-5, 235, he has excellent size and possesses a cannon for an arm. Due to his ability to launch a football and blow past defenders as a runner, he has often drawn comparisons to Richardson.
It would benefit Milton to join the Colts. He could learn a lot from Flacco, who has 16 NFL seasons under his belt and a Super Bowl MVP award.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen could help Milton become a solid backup down the road. In recent years, he has helped develop Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) and Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles) during his days as an offensive coordinator.
If the Colts take Milton, it won’t be the first time they’ve drafted a quarterback out of Tennessee. They selected some guy named Peyton Manning back in 1998. That was a good choice as he turned out to be one of the NFL’s greatest players of all time.
No, Joe Milton isn’t the next Peyton Manning. Yet, he has the physical tools necessary to be a great backup for Richardson in the future.
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