Patriots’ Joe Milton memories will linger on one costly NFL Draft outcome

Joe Milton appeared in one game for the New England Patriots prior to his offseason trade on Thursday to the Dallas Cowboys.

That one game could have generational ramifications, though.

Milton came on in early relief for Drake Maye in Week 18 of the 2024 season against the Buffalo Bills. If the Patriots lost, they were guaranteed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

But Milton didn’t let the Pats lose. He was brilliant in completing 22-of-29 passes and both throwing for and running for a touchdown.

The defeat dropped New England from first to fourth in the NFL Draft order.

The Patriots wouldn’t have used No. 1 on a quarterback, not with Drake Maye locked in as the face of the franchise.

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But picking atop the draft would’ve either allowed New England to get whatever skill player they wanted (Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter) or instead pursue a huge haul in a trade down.

Milton, who may never wear a Patriots uniform again, is the reason New England doesn’t get that chance to make a crucial franchise-changing decision at the top of the draft.

The Patriots could still get someone special at No. 4, but the options wind up being just a bit more limited because of how good Milton played in his only game with the Pats.

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