Former SEC Star Making a Position Change in the NFL?

A few SEC starts of the past have attempted position changes in the NFL. Two of the more note worthy would be former Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Matt Jones who the Jacksonville Jaguars attempted to convert into a receiver after drafting him in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Another would be former Florida Gators quarterback Tim Tebow.

Although Tebow is remembered for his playoff run with the Denver Broncos in 2012, he attempted a comeback under his former college head coach, Urban Meyer who invited Tebow to training camp in 2021 as a tight end. Unlike Jones who would play a few seasons for the Jags, Tebow would be cut in training camp.

Fast forward to 2024 and another prospect is considered to be making a potential position change. This time however, it is not with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It is yet another quarterback however. The quarterback is former Tennessee Volunteer, Joe Milton III. Milton III was drafted in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots at 193rd overall.

What position will Joe Milton III be Playing in the NFL?

Tight end is the rumored position that Milton III could play for the Patriots, but Milton thinks otherwise.

What did Joe Milton III Say about Playing Tight End for the Patriots?

According to The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed, Milton III shut down the idea of playing tight end stating, “That’ll never happen."

Why does Joe Milton III Playing Tight End Make Sense for the Patriots?

The Patriots roster however says otherwise. The club selected North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye third overall and already have quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Jacoby Brissett on the roster. This would make Milton the fourth quarterback on the depth chart.

With that being said, Milton III and his supporters should not be surprised. Milton proved he can throw the ball really far at the NFL combine, but as far as quarterback goes his performance in college said that is about all he can do and he may be lacking in other areas as it pertains to the position.

How did Joe Milton III do for the Tennessee Volunteers?

After being benched as the starting quarterback early in 2022 for Hendon Hooker, Milton III would not get another chance to lead the Vols until 2023 after Hooker left for the NFL.

Milton III led the Volunteers to a 9-3 regular season record, which was a regression from the teams 10-2 regular season record the year before with Hooker.

Milton III threw for 2,813 yards, but only completed 64.7% of his passes. He threw for only 20 touchdowns in a high-powered Josh Heupel offense which also leaves a question mark about his production at the quarterback position in the NFL.

Who are the Tight Ends on the New England Patriots Roster?

The Patriots currently have six tight ends listed on their roster. The three that Milton III would most likely compete with would be NFL veterans Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry, as well as fellow rookie Jaheim Bell. Bell was drafted in the 2023 draft as well at 231st overall, which could bode well for Milton III to make the position change given he was taken higher in the draft.