Patriots QB Battle: Will Joe Milton Upset Top-Pick Drake Maye for Week One Start?
As the New England Patriots continue their training camp, the quarterback competition between Joe Milton and Drake Maye has become a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts. With the Patriots spending significant capital on Maye, drafting him third overall, he seems to be the favorite to win the job. After the new coaching staff invested such lofty draft capital into Maye, it would be hard to believe that he wouldn’t be the Week One starter, but recent discourse from insiders in the organization suggested Milton, the sixth-round quarterback drafted to be Maye’s backup, has been outplaying Maye and has a shot at the job. Both quarterbacks have demonstrated significant potential, making the decision on who should start a critical one for the Patriots’ upcoming season.
Joe Milton, known for his cannon of an arm, began his collegiate career at Michigan before transferring to Tennessee. His time at Tennessee was marked by impressive performances, particularly in 2023, when he threw for 3,068 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions. Milton's deep passing ability and athleticism, evidenced by his 405 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns, make him a dynamic offensive weapon Milton's standout moments include a standout first-half performance vs. Alabama and leading Tennessee to a bowl game victory over Clemson, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure against NFL caliber talent. His physical attributes, particularly his arm strength, have drawn comparisons to some of the best deep passers in recent memory. Interestingly, Joe Milton, a sixth-round pick who played some college ball at Michigan, is following in the footsteps of another famous sixth-round Michigan quarterback who goes by the name Tom Brady. While it is too early to predict if Milton will achieve similar success, the Patriots have a history of uncovering gems in later rounds. However, while his ability to throw 90+ yards down the field is impressive and one of the best in league history, it is the short and intermediate passing game, where Brady thrived, that Milton needs significant improvement. His lackluster decision-making and poor accuracy are a cause for concern especially at the NFL level where the windows are tighter and quick decision-making is paramount.
On the other hand, Drake Maye's collegiate career at North Carolina was marked by exceptional consistency and leadership. Over two seasons as a starter, Maye accumulated 7,325 passing yards, 62 touchdowns, and only 15 interceptions, with a completion rate of 67.2%. His ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate decisions set him apart as a reliable and efficient quarterback. Maye's mobility adds another layer to his game, with 865 rushing yards and 15 rushing touchdowns. His leadership and poise, particularly in high-pressure situations, make him a well-rounded and dependable option for the Patriots. However, many will point out that Maye played against subpar competition in college compared to Milton. While Milton was playing in a stacked SEC loaded with future NFL stars, UNC plays in the top-heavy ACC, giving Maye many weaker opponents to pad his stats.
During training camp, both quarterbacks have had their ups and downs. Joe Milton has impressed with his arm strength and athleticism, often making spectacular throws in practice. However, his limited reps compared to Maye, who has been working more with the first team, means that Milton's performance has been primarily against second and third-team defenses. Moreover, it is important to note that this is still only training camp. The real test for both quarterbacks will come in live game situations, where they must handle the pressure of defensive linemen and read defenses in a matter of seconds.
Given the complexities of NFL defenses and the need for quick, accurate decision-making, Drake Maye's well-rounded skill set and proven leadership might make him the better choice to start for the Patriots. His ability to consistently deliver in various game situations offers a solid foundation for the team's offensive success. Drake Maye, despite struggling in a few practices, has shown resilience by bouncing back and demonstrating his accuracy and decision-making abilities. His ability to quickly read defenses and deliver precise passes, which Milton sorely lacks, has been a highlight, even though he has faced some challenges adjusting to the NFL's pace and complexity. While the starting job depends on what the Patriots' offensive plans are, due to the draft capital investment they made in Maye, it would be nearly impossible for Milton to win the job by Week One no matter how good he plays. However, if Maye isn't able to perform in the early weeks, that could open a pathway for Milton in the long term.
