NFL training camp practices are ongoing across the league, and the Dallas Cowboys are hard at work to impress first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Some Cowboys have struggled to impress early on, and Schottenheimer's inexperience has occasionally stood out, but there's still plenty of time for America's Team to get things together before the regular season.
Having said that, certain Dallas players have found ways to positively stand out, both in terms of new and returning veterans. In fact, one of the newest Cowboys hasn't wasted any time impressing the most important face on the team, quarterback Dak Prescott.
Cowboys QB Joe Milton III Already Impressing Dak Prescott in Training Camp
Looking to give backup QB Will Grier some competition, the Cowboys traded a pair of 2025 draft picks to acquire Joe Milton III from the New England Patriots. The former Tennessee Volunteer demonstrated plenty of potential during his short time with the Pats, and he hasn't wasted any time proving his worth to Prescott & Co.
"Joe is a guy that’s gonna push me to be better each and every day... That’s the competition," Prescott said, per The Athletic's Jon Machota. "I told (Brian Schottenheimer) that from Day 1, when that guy came in and we went to throw routes on air outside the building. I came back and told Schotty, ‘I don’t know if I’ve ever seen someone throw the ball like that.’ It’s impressive."
Dak Prescott on Joe Milton: “Joe is a guy that’s gonna push me to be better each and every day. We encourage that in our room. That’s the competition. That’s part of it. I told (Brian Schottenheimer) that from Day 1 when that guy came in and we went to throw routes on air outside…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 25, 2025
A former sixth-round pick in 2024, Milton's strong work ethic and competitive nature made him an instant Patriots fan favorite, and that trend seems to be replicating itself in the Lone Star State. Getting praise from the Cowboys leader is huge for the 25-year-old gunslinger, and time will tell if he can parlay that into being Prescott's backup.
Blessed with a 6-foot-5, 246-pound frame and a strong arm, Milton has the tools to succeed in the NFL. The Pahokee, FL native gave onlookers a glimpse of his potential in Week 18 when he led the Patriots to a 23-16 win over the rival Buffalo Bills.
Not only did he tally 22 completions on a 75.9% success rate for 241 passing yards and a touchdown, as well as 16 rushing yards and a score on 10 carries, but Milton also finished with the best Pro Football Focus offense grade (95.8) among all 32 QBs that week. Even if that performance came against the Bills' backups, it was extremely encouraging for his outlook.
"(Milton is) not complacent with how well he throws the ball. He’s going to push himself to get better, and the knowledge and the situations of the game. I think all that does is push myself, push this offense. I’m super thankful to have a guy like that."Dak Prescott on Joe Milton III
With Prescott turning 32 years old next week and the end of his career being closer than the start, it wouldn't be a surprise if Milton has a legitimate shot at being his successor. The new Cowboys QB has a skillset to go along with his size, and spending the next four seasons behind Prescott could leave him perfectly prepared to take over under center in 2029.
Hopefully, Milton continues to have a strong Cowboys training camp because he's easily met and exceeded all expectations so far.