Patriots exec explains why team drafted two QBs in 2024 NFL Draft

It came as no surprise when the New England Patriots used the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on former North Carolina QB Drake Maye.

It was surprising, however, when the team decided to draft a second quarterback, selecting Tennessee's Joe Milton III with pick No. 193 in the sixth round.

The Patriots were the only team to draft two quarterbacks, proving it was a bit of an unconventional move. Executive Eliot Wolf, who has served as New England's de facto general manager, still stands by the decision.

"It was just one of those picks where there was too much talent in him to pass that up," Wolf said on "The Adam Schefter Podcast."

Milton does ooze with talent. He showcased his huge arm throughout the predraft process and during the 2023 season when he threw for 2,813 yards, 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

Still, he comes at a gamble, hence his sixth-round grade. The Tennessee product has struggled with accuracy, completing 61.5% of his passes at Michigan and Tennessee. 

"He's got shades of Cam Newton based on his ability — but his football acumen and his accuracy are issues," a scout told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "Just doesn't have the feel for the game or the position that you'd like to see."

Milton will need to clean those things up sooner rather than later if he hopes to make the Patriots' 53-man roster by summer's end. He is joining a crowded room that includes Maye, Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe.

However, Wolf acknowledged Milton is more of a project piece.

"He's 6-5, 245 pounds. He's got a rocket for an arm. He's athletic," Wolf added. "We feel like there's some things that we can work with and develop."

Ideally, New England will never see Milton on the field if Maye plays the way he's supposed to. At the same time, there's no arguing Milton's sky-high potential.