What are the Dallas Cowboys getting in Joe Milton III?

Today the Dallas Cowboys traded a fifth round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton. The Cowboys needed a back-up quarterback and they just landed a very freaky player.

Milton is a 6’5 gunslinger who can launch a ball. He has been known for throwing the ball 70 plus yards in the air with ease. Check out this mini scouting report to find out what the Cowboys are getting in Milton!

1. Height/Weight: Milton is an impressive physical specimen for a quarterback. His 6’5″ frame and 250-pound build give him a prototype size for an NFL passer, with the ability to absorb hits and still make plays in the pocket.
2. Arm Strength: One of Milton’s most obvious strengths. He has a cannon for an arm and can make throws to all levels of the field with ease. His deep ball is particularly impressive, capable of reaching distances that few quarterbacks can.
3. Mobility: While not known for being a runner, Milton has good mobility for his size. He can escape the pocket when necessary and picks up yards with his legs in short-yardage situations, though he’s not a primary threat on designed runs.

Strengths:

1. Arm Talent: Milton possesses one of the strongest arms in the college football landscape, capable of making throws that others simply can’t. His velocity on deep throws is elite, and he can flick the ball 60+ yards downfield effortlessly.
2. Deep Ball Accuracy: When he’s on, Milton can hit deep passes with precision, throwing effortlessly on the run or from the pocket. His ability to stretch the defense vertically is a game-changer.
3. Physical Tools: Milton’s combination of size, arm strength, and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. He has the physical potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback with the right coaching and refinement.

Areas of Improvement:

1. Consistency: Milton’s biggest issue has been consistency, particularly with his accuracy. He can struggle with intermediate and short throws, missing easy completions at times. His mechanics can break down when under pressure, which affects his overall precision.
2. Decision-Making: Milton can be prone to forcing throws, especially when under pressure. His decision-making is still developing, and he has room to improve his field awareness and timing, especially on quick-release passes.
3. Processing Speed: Milton sometimes holds the ball too long, taking unnecessary sacks or missing open windows. His ability to process defenses and make quick decisions is an area where he will need to show significant growth to succeed at the next level.

Comparison:

Joe Milton’s physical tools have been compared to quarterbacks like Josh Allen or Cam Newton, thanks to his arm strength, size, and ability to make plays with his legs. However, like Allen early in his career, Milton will need to refine his mechanics, decision-making, and accuracy to maximize his potential at the NFL level.

Overall:

Joe Milton is an exciting developmental prospect with immense upside. His raw physical talent is undeniable, and with time and coaching, he has the potential to become a starting NFL quarterback.