Josh Heupel shares what NFL teams would be getting in Joe Milton

While former Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III attempted to wow NFL scouts on the field during UT’s Pro Day on Wednesday, Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel hoped to persuade them on the sidelines. Heupel certainly made quite the sales pitch for his former QB1.

“I think it’s a great story of a young guy that recognized areas that he could grow in, trusted the staff and what we were doing schematically to help him grow,” Heupel said. “Continues to be a great teammate.

“You look at his relationship with Hendon [Hooker], who he was in an initial quarterback battle — Hendon here today cheering him on. It just speaks to the maturity and the care factor and the trust that we’ve built inside of this, his growth as a person and as a player, can’t wait to see him throw it around here in a minute.”

Milton showed off his cannon for scouts in attendance, launching his final throw of the day the length of the practice field before hitting a backflip in celebration. However, Milton proved he’s far more than a football-slinging machine.

The 6-foot-5 QB also busted out a 4.56-second 40-yard dash. For reference, Milton’s time would have tied the fastest 40-yard dash of all quarterbacks who participated at the NFL Scouting Combine. Of course, Milton also boasts stunning in-game statistics.

In the 2023 campaign, Milton finished with 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 64.7% completion percentage. In three years at Tennessee, Milton had 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 63.1% completion percentage.

Milton started his career at Michigan before transferring. He played for the Wolverines from 2018-20 as a backup and eventual starter during the COVID-19 season. This past season was Milton’s first as Tennessee’s full-time starter, previously sitting behind standout Hendon Hooker.

Joe Milton III was happy with his performance at Tennessee’s Pro Day.

“It went great,” Milton said. “I feel like I ran what I needed to run for one. For two, I feel like I threw the ball very well. Shoutout to the guys who caught the balls for me today.”

Despite Milton’s impressive showing, he still isn’t garnering extremely high draft projections. In ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.’s latest NFL Big Board, he listed Milton as the No. 10 available quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Milton won’t have to wait long to learn where he lands. The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.