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.

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.