Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots QB Drake Maye might've talked himself into a challenge he's guaranteed to lose versus Joe Milton III

Originally posted on A to Z Sports
By Mauricio Rodriguez | Last updated 5/9/24

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye's competitiveness is in large part what got him to be a No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

But he might've picked the wrong battle with his teammate Joe Milton, who was also picked in this year's draft by the Patriots.

In a recent radio appearance on 98.5 The Sports Hub's Zolak & Bertrand, Maye was asked if he'd be up to do a throwing contest with his fellow draft pick and he didn't hesitate to give an answer.

"Joe can throw it now, Joe can throw it" Maye said on air before letting his inner competitor take over the dialogue. "But, I ain't going to turn it down, now."

Drake Maye says he will not turn down a throwing contest with fellow #Patriots rookie Joe Milton.

Zo:
“You’re not gonna get in one of those throwing contests where you’re gonna throw your arm out (to) see who can throw it further — you or Milton?

Maye:
Joe can throw it now. Joe… pic.twitter.com/nmVRKaxeAZ
— Carlos Talks Pats (@LosTalksPats) May 8, 2024

Although everyone agrees Maye is the much better quarterback of the two, Milton's arm is the special kind of special, you know?

A to Z Sports' James Foster describes it in his Big Board as "generational arm talent" and claims the former Tennessee Vol "has an RPG attacked to his shoulder."

If you prefer another definition, The Athletic's Dane Brugler went with "an absolute hose for an arm (in the mix for the strongest I have ever evaluated)."

If the goal is to chuck it deep and not actually play quarterback, Milton would run circles around the No. 3 overall pick.

But while Maye's soundbite is more of a silly radio moment than anything serious, it speaks volumes about what the Pats got in Milton, as the front office has admitted the remarkable arm talent was a big reason why they decided to double-dip at the position.

Who knows if New England can fix Joe Milton III, but if they do and he's able to put on some strong film in the preseason, it'll be very intriguing to see what becomes of him, as he could be a quality backup long-term or maybe even trade ammo.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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