Joe Milton credits Tennessee football for early NFL success

Tennessee football has seen some great quarterback play since Josh Heupel became the Vols' head coach. Hendon Hooker became one of the best Tennessee quarterbacks in recent history, and Joe Milton brought the strongest arm in the country to Rocky Top and helped the Vols win eight games last season. 

Milton looks like the best quarterback on the Patriots' roster after Week One of the NFL Preseason. He credits his early NFL success to Heupel's coaching and offense, which prepared him for the league. 

"Tennessee put us in a situation where we can go out there and execute no matter what. Especially the offense we played in," Milton said. "Just trusting what we see and being able to deliver the ball."

Of course, a lot of football is left this year and in Milton's professional career, but he's impressing early as the Patriots' 6th-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He was New England's second quarterback drafted, but he seems to be ahead of fellow rookie Drake Maye. 

Milton was the only quarterback to throw a touchdown in the preseason opener, and he showed off his arm and legs to help the Patriots earn the win over the Carolina Panthers. 

Unfortunately, it's unlikely Milton moves any higher than QB No. 3 on the Patriots depth chart this season, with Jacoby Brissett likely remaining the starter and first-round pick Drake Maye as QB2. 

Despite Milton's hot start, New England likely isn't ready to move Milton above Maye on the depth chart this early in their pro careers. 

Milton will look to show off his dual-threat skills from under center on Thursday when the Patriots face the Philadelphia Eagles. He likely won't see the field more than last week but could look to cement himself as the third quarterback on the depth chart heading into the 2024 NFL season.