Joe Milton is entering his third season at Tennessee and he is getting another shot as the clear-cut QB1 for the Volunteers under Josh Heupel. After filling in for the injured Hendon Hooker late last season — and a strong showing in the Orange Bowl — Milton will get a chance to thrive in 2023.

Following Tennessee’s spring game, ESPN’s Justin Kutcher and Jordan Rodgers addressed what to expect out of the Vols this season. With a favorable early-season schedule, Kutcher sees a chance for Milton to find his groove early.

“You’re gonna see, can Joe Milton find his comfort early in this offense? If he does, watch out, the sky’s the limit,” said Kutcher.

Rodgers echoed that sentiment and labeled Milton a likely first-round pick for the 2024 NFL Draft at this point in the process. He explained Milton’s physical tools will tantalize teams, similar to Anthony Richardson as a likely top-10 pick in this year’s draft.

Rodgers also expects Milton to perform well during 2023:

“No doubt, I mean his physical tools as we mentioned, no need to harp on it again, but he’s going to be considered a first-round draft pick just based off that alone,” Rodgers claimed. “You see it with Anthony Richardson right now. The tape doesn’t have to match if you have those kinds of intangibles.

“He’s going to perform really well this year I think. He’s developed his accuracy downfield. I think the touch will continue to develop, but I think the weapons around him are going to set this team up, the depth on defense to make another run at the College Football Playoff.”

Here’s the full clip of Kutcher and Rodgers discussing Tennessee’s schedule and outlook for Milton with the offense: