The Howitzer: Joe Milton III, QB, Tennessee

The beautiful part of college football is that players come out of nowhere every year, and that leads us to Tennessee quarterback (QB) Joe Milton III.

What is a Howitzer and why the reference?

As defined by merriam-webster.com, a short cannon used to fire projectiles at medium muzzle velocities and with relatively high trajectories.

He’s anything but short at 6-foot-5 (235 pounds). However, it fits because he has a cannon for an arm.

Of course, there are analysts all over the map who have been projecting where he will end up in the NFL Draft, so I thought I would weigh in.

Some of these players who come out of nowhere are workout warriors, like QB Anthony Richardson, who went fourth-overall first-round to the Colts in this past draft.

Others set the nation on fire, like quarterback (QB) Cam Newton with his trifecta season winning the Heisman Trophy, National Championship, and being the first-overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

Background

Newton ironically happens to be my next subject’s idol. This is what he had to say about that on Good Morning Football.

What’s interesting is Newton had similar playing size checking in at 6-foot-5, 245 pounds.

Milton is certainly not a stranger to adversity either. After being benched in Michigan by new Iowa transfer QB Cade McNamara, he transferred to Tennessee. Once he got there, he backed up QB Hendon Hooker who went on to be a fourth-round pick of the Detroit Lions in this past draft.

The Yanish Report

Big, tall, athletic build. Footwork needs to improve. Flat-footed on many throws. Mobility to pick up the tough yards. QB at heart. Field vision has been maximized. Tunnel vision has been minimized. Moves through his progressions. Stands tall in the face of pressure. Absolute Howitzer strapped to his shoulder. Passes are full throttle at any range. He needs to control that fire, he misses high fairly often. Ball placement can negate defenders. Run-pass option (RPO) is solid. Knows the game. Alpha male type leader. Exemplifies passion for the game whenever his cleats touch the ground.

For the win

If Indianapolis QB Anthony Richardson can hit the ceiling on his pro day, Milton could put the ball through the roof.

After sitting down to watch College GameDay, I found out Milton chucked a pigskin 90 yards this offseason.

If he came within five yards of that, you could mention him in the same breath as former NFL QB Jeff George.

That’s how real this kid is.

Tennessee laid waste to the University of Virginia in the season opener 49-13 and Milton proceeded to go 21-of-31 for 210 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions.

As long as his game continues to evolve since his days back at Michigan, the sky is the limit for Milton and his arm.

By the time the NFL Draft rolls around next spring, Milton will be talked about as the next juggernaut of a first-round QB in a class that will be loaded with QB talent.

I am still giving him a second-round grade.

Why?

More is needed in the NFL than just having great arm talent.

It’s a helluva start, though.

My BIG three questions

1. Will he be able to take advantage of this new opportunity in Tennessee?

2. Is the Heisman Trophy within his reach?

3. Can Tennessee take down Alabama when they travel to Tuscaloosa in October?

How Joe Milton III stacks up and game film reviewed

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: Second Round

Game Film Evidence 

2020 (Michigan Jersey No. 5)

Michigan State

2021 (Tennessee Jersey No. 7)

Bowling Green

2022 (Tennessee Jersey No. 7)

Vanderbilt

Ball State (19:36-end)

Clemson

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.