Joe Milton NFL Combine results: Tennessee QB shows off arm strength with multiple 70-yard throws

Jacob Camenker

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Joe Milton NFL Combine results: Tennessee QB shows off arm strength with multiple 70-yard throws image

None of the consensus top three quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft threw at the combine, which opened the door for other signal-callers to stand out.

Joe Milton took advantage of that opportunity. The Tennessee product showed off a variety of skills in the on-field quarterback drills Saturday. His elite arm strength in particular should boost his draft stock.

Milton didn't run the 40-yard dash — a decision shared by many quarterback prospects — but he shined during the downfield passing drills.

No quarterback showcased better arm strength than the former Wolverine-turned-Volunteer. Milton logged the hardest throw among the first group of quarterbacks at the 2024 NFL Combine and also threw the longest pass — a deep completion to Lideatrick "Tulu" Griffin during the go-ball portion of the throwing drills.

Here's what to know about Milton's NFL Combine performance and what it means for his NFL Draft stock.

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Joe Milton NFL Combine throws

Milton was one of the stars of the NFL Combine's throwing session. He showcased Josh Allen-like arm strength in the downfield passing drills and uncorked a few passes of more than 70 yards.

Not all of Milton's deep balls were caught. One was just out of the reach of an outstretched Jacob Cowing, who was about a yard away from making a massive play.

But Griffin managed to catch one of Milton's long bombs way downfield. Griffin traveled about 73 yards in a straight line before reeling in Milton's throw, as seen below.

That completion was Milton's longest, but it wasn't his only one of 70-plus yards. He completed another to Anthony Gould just before Griffin's catch.

That captured the attention of the fans on hand for Milton's workout in Indianapolis. They applauded his big-play ability as vigorously as they had cheered some of the speedy 40-yard dashes from earlier in the day.

Milton's strong performance wasn't limited to that portion of the workout. He showed an ability to throw with touch downfield and put catchable balls in front of his receivers for the most part. On occasion, his passes came in a bit too flat, but for the most part, he was solid.

Notably, Milton posted the fastest throw among the first quarterback group at the NFL Combine. His mark of 62 mph was just 1 mph faster than his former teammate J.J. McCarthy.

Milton also showed off his athletic ability by performing a backflip to celebrate the end of the workout.

Milton's performance may improve his draft stock as he jockeys for position among the mid-round quarterback prospects.

MORE: SN's latest NFL mock draft | Top 125 big board

Joe Milton draft projection

Milton is not among the eight quarterbacks listed on SN's top 125 prospect big board for the 2024 NFL Draft. That ranking places Milton as a Day 3 value, but his draft stock varies from publication to publication.

For example, WalterFootball.com's Charlie Campbell rates Milton as the seventh-best quarterback prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft and projects him to be selected at some point between Rounds 3 and 5, citing his size and "serious passing talent."

Joe Milton height, weight, measurements

Milton measured at an imposing height of 6ft 5in and weight of 235lbs. His hand size is 10in, and his arm length is 33in.

Both Milton's size and his passing talent were on display at the NFL Combine. Perhaps that will be enough to move him more squarely into the Day 2 draft range.

But no matter what, the Tennessee product will be a passer to watch in the middle rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Jacob Camenker

Jacob Camenker Photo

Jacob Camenker first joined The Sporting News as a fantasy football intern in 2018 after his graduation from UMass. He became a full-time employee with TSN in 2021 and now serves as a senior content producer with a particular focus on the NFL. Jacob worked at NBC Sports Boston as a content producer from 2019 to 2021. He is an avid fan of the NFL Draft and ranked 10th in FantasyPros’ Mock Draft Accuracy metric in both 2021 and 2022.