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3 Surprise Rookies Who Could Make Patriots' 53-Man Roster

The New England Patriots enter 2024 training camp with a plethora of rookies on the roster. While some are already roster locks, these three first-year players could shock a lot of people by making the cut.

By Devon Platana

Which unlikely Patriots rookies will make the roster?
Which unlikely Patriots rookies will make the roster? / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
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It's officially training camp season around the NFL. The New England Patriots will have their veterans report to the team on July 23 before the practices begin one day later at the fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium, marking another important milestone in Jerod Mayo's first year as head coach.

With the Patriots being in rebuild mode, a large chunk of the fanbase is excited to see how the incoming rookie class fares in the NFL. Some first-year players, like Drake Maye and Javon Baker, already have guaranteed roster spots while other rookies must step up their game to remain in the conversation.

A handful of new faces will crumble under the pressure, however, others will thrive in the face of a challenge. Having said that, here are three Patriots rookies who could surprise people by making the 53-man roster.

1. Joe Milton III, QB

Drake Maye wasn't the only quarterback who the Patriots added at the 2024 NFL Draft. The franchise also used a sixth-round selection on Joe Milton III, who split his six-year collegiate career between Michigan and Tennessee.

Milton's first five NCAA seasons were relatively quiet, however, things changed when he became the Volunteers' full-time starter in 2023. The Pahokee, FL native led Tennessee to an 8-4 record in 12 starts as he completed 64.7% of passes for 2,813 passing yards with 20 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He also turned a career-high 78 carries into 299 rushing yards and seven more TDs.

With Maye and the returning Jacoby Brissett taking up the Patriots' top two QB spots (in no particular order) Milton is left to compete with Bailey Zappe for the QB3 opportunity. Although Zappe has more familiarity with the franchise, his spot isn't exactly secure after a putrid 2023 performance.

Additionally, Milton's versatility could give him the edge over Zappe. The Patriots have been using the first-year signal-caller both as a quarterback and receiver this offseason. Rolling with him as the QB3 would give New England an extra arm and pass-catcher at the same time, which is the type of flexibility that might be too intriguing to pass over.

With a strong training camp, Milton could snag a key role next season.

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