The New England Patriots entered the season finale at the top of the NFL Draft order. By the time quarterback Joe Milton was finished carving up the Buffalo Bills' defense, the Patriots had slipped to fourth.

So Maye went to the sideline. Rookie seventh round pick Joe Milton emerged in his place — a decision that let the Patriots better understand what the young, rocket-armed quarterback was capable of while enhancing the team’s chance of locking in the top overall pick.

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III scored the first touchdown of his NFL career on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The rookie quarterback ran it in from a yard out to give the Patriots a 7-0 lead following the extra point.

The next Patriots regime will need to decide if Joe Milton III did enough in Sunday’s win to prove he can be the team’s backup quarterback next season.

Joe Milton III threw for one touchdown and rushed for another in his NFL debut to guide the New England Patriots to a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon in Foxborough, Mass.

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III was nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award for Week 18. Milton joined a group of nominees that also includes Nate Wiggins of the Baltimore Ravens,

If the New England Patriots decide to trade Joe Milton, these are the three best potential landing spots for the quarterback.