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.

New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III was nominated for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Rookie of the Week award for Week 18.

Mostly, Milton showed how much he had progressed and developed from training camp and the preseason. His footwork, accuracy and quarterback play in general had improved. Like Maye, he developed well under offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and QB coach T.C. McCartney.

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

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.

Rookie quarterback Joe Milton III admitted to learning he would play vs. Bills 'after the kickoff' in Patriots' win

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.