Getty Image / Billie Weiss
The New England Patriots needed to lose against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday to have the number-one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But, rookie backup quarterback Joe Milton wouldn’t let them lose, as they won, 23-16.
Patriots fans are mourning the loss of the first-overall pick. But, what most are going to remember from this game is an insane throw from Joe Milton that may be the throw of the year in the NFL.
Milton, a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, was known to have a huge arm and great mobility in his college career at Michigan and Tennessee. But, the rest of his game was pretty raw, and his production wasn’t always great in college. Still, the tools convinced New England to select him, even after taking Drake Maye third-overall earlier in the draft.
With Maye out with a minor hand injury, Milton got his first career start on Sunday. Overall, he was very good, albeit against a bunch of reserves. He was 22-29 for 241 yards and one touchdown, and ran for another score. But, it’s this play, that was actually called back for a penalty, that has everyone talking.
This didn't count, but Joe Milton is FUN. pic.twitter.com/SGRn14bgEY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 5, 2025
Again, it was called back for holding. But, that’s a throw that very few quarterbacks can make. The list might not be bigger than five, to be honest. The fact that it came after a great scramble makes it even better.
Obviously, the Patriots (4-13) are going to build around Drake Maye, who had a great rookie season with really poor weapons around him. But, Joe Milton looked like a player that may end up being a starting quarterback in the NFL if he continues his development.