Patriots surprise NFL Draft pick by taking second QB as Joe Milton 'going to have to compete'

The 2024 NFL Draft has produced some shocking moments, but the New England Patriots ' decision to select another quarterback has raised eyebrows.

The Patriots selected University of Tennessee quarterback Joe Milton III in the sixth round, meaning they now have five players in the quarterback room. New England used their third-overall pick on North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye , offering competition to current starter Mac Jones .

However, new head coach Jerod Mayo clearly wants even more competition for the role, as Maye will now compete with Milton, Jones, Bailey Zappe, and Nathan Rourke. "We're in the business of trying to get good football players through the door, and Milton happens to be one of them," Mayo said on Saturday, justifying their decision.

"Obviously he understands we took a quarterback at 3 in Drake. One thing that we preach is competition. Everything is about competition, and nothing is given. All of it's earned. That's how we thought about the process."

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Milton became a starter for the first time in 2023, throwing for 20 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games. Standing at 6-foot-5, there have been some suggestions that he could become a tight end, but Milton ended all speculation on Saturday as he said: "That will never happen."

Whether he becomes a future starter or not, Milton showed his humble side after being selected by stating he was grateful to be given the chance. "I had all the [NFL] hats laid out. You just never know where you're going to end up," Milton said in a video conference with reporters.

"I was just waiting on any phone call. It's a blessing, for sure. Just the opportunity. I feel like everywhere you go, no matter what quarterback got selected in this draft, you're going to have to compete. Nothing is just given to you no matter who you are. That's what I'm looking forward to doing."

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The Patriots are still looking for their Tom Brady replacement after the legendary quarterback left the organization at the conclusion of the 2019 season. After winning six Super Bowl rings in New England the icon joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, adding a memorable seventh individual ring to his collection after dominating Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2021's championship game.

Jones was the 15th pick in 2021 and the Patriots were hopeful that he would become their long-term replacement. Things started brightly in 2021 as he finished with a 10-7 record and reached the playoffs in his rookie season.

But since then he's struggled, and Jones was 2-9 through 11 games last season and legendary head coach Bill Belichick ended up parting ways with the organization. New coach Mayo now has five quarterbacks to choose from, in what is a new era over in New England.