What Is Joe Milton III's Draft Stock After Declaring?

Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joe Milton III declared for the NFL Draft on Wednesday and will forgo the Citrus Bowl - but where does he stand with professional scouts?

After transferring from the University of Michigan, quarterback Joe Milton III revived his career in Knoxville, Tennessee. Milton never found a consistent groove with the Wolverines, and while his tenure with the Vols was also inconsistent, he looked like a starting quarterback and a draftable NFL prospect, which you couldn't say a few years ago.

Milton declared for the NFL Draft on Wednesday afternoon, announcing that he would forgo the Citrus Bowl and allow freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava to get the start. It's important to note that Milton is with the team and plans to be present all week, including on the sideline during the New Year's Day game. Many wonder what his draft stock is now that Milton's college career is over.

Two respected ESPN draft analysts have recently updated their top 2024 quarterbacks, and both have similar grades on Milton. Mel Kiper Jr. has Milton as his No. 10 quarterback in the class while Jordan Reid slots him in at No. 11. He sits behind LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels and South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler on both lists, not unpredictable for those who watched football across the entire conference this season.

It seems that Milton has a day-three grade on him, and there are murmurs that he could potentially be an undrafted free agent. There are many events between now and the NFL Draft in April, but Milton has his work cut out for him. A few league executives have anonymously said they need Milton to continue ironing out his inconsistencies to show more peaks than valleys. 

Tennessee Volunteers QB Joe Milton III during the win over Vanderbilt. (Photo by Randy Sartin of USA Today Sports)

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