Linebacker 40 Yard Dash: Does It Matter? A Comprehensive Analysis
12/21/2024
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For part 37 of our “Does It Matter?” series, we attempted to find whether a linebacker’s 40-yard dash time can predict their
The NFL Draft can often be a great turning point in a young athlete’s career. However, for quarterback prospect Joe Milton, the 2023 Draft might have placed him in one of the most challenging spots. Drafted by the New England Patriots, it would initially seem like a great beginning. Yet, the circumstances surrounding his selection casts a shadow over his potential, primarily due to the Patriots’ decision to also draft Drake Maye early in the first round.
The New England Patriots selected Drake Maye with their third overall pick. This was a clear statement of their intent and belief in Maye’s ability to lead the team. Later in the draft, Joe Milton was selected with pick number 17 in the 6th round. This became a near worst case scenario for Milton and us, who were hoping for him to go to a spot where he has a reasonable chance to start within the next 2 years.
Given this dynamic, it is evident that Drake Maye is poised to be the starter for the foreseeable future. This situation leaves Milton in a precarious position. If Maye does live up to his draft capital as we expect he will, Milton will then be left either looking for a way out of New England or be left in backup QB purgatory. With Milton’s rookie contract most likely going to be 4 years, we could be looking at 2028 before he has a starting opportunity.
Despite the horrible landing spot, it’s important to remember the qualities that make Joe Milton an intriguing prospect. Known for his raw talent, Milton has been compared to several NFL greats in terms of his metrics and potential impact on the field. With comparisons specifically being legends such as Josh Allen, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers, Milton has an undeniable high ceiling.
However, his situation combined with his potential creates a unique dilemma for fantasy football players and followers of NFL careers. We considered Milton a must-draft player based on his talents and track record. Although, the drafting by the Patriots after they drafted Maye significantly impacts this rating.
For fantasy football enthusiasts, the drafting of Joe Milton by the Patriots necessitates a strategy of patience and foresight. Given Drake Maye’s likely starter position, Milton is expected to remain on the sidelines. However, for those in deep leagues or with the luxury of bench space, Milton represents a high-upside, low-risk investment. We are advising to wait for him to go undrafted and consider picking him up as a free agent if you can afford to stash a player for a couple years.
Joe Milton’s draft to the New England Patriots alongside Drake Maye creates a challenging path for the young quarterback. Despite his promising metrics and the potential for greatness, his immediate future with the Patriots is limited. For those willing to invest in long-term potential, Joe Milton might still represent a sleeper hit. Therefore, if you can afford the deep roster spot, pick him up as a free agent and let his high upside linger on your roster until he can prove himself somewhere in the league.
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For part 37 of our “Does It Matter?” series, we attempted to find whether a linebacker’s 40-yard dash time can predict their
In Part 35 of our “Does It Matter?” series, we looked to find whether a linebacker’s weight could predict their success in
In the pursuit of finding whether a linebacker’s height plays a critical role in their NFL success, we found a height range
