Silencing skeptics after a perfect minicamp performance, the former Red Raider is proving his developmental value as a polished, accurate addition to New England’s quarterback room.
This is the very definition of "early.''
But flying in the face of at least one negative review of former Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton's move to the New England Patriots, we now have some on-field evidence of what the seventh-round rookie might be able to do in the NFL.
And the evidence - "early'' as it is - is a thumbs-up.
In a recent breakdown of the 2026 NFL Draft’s most questionable selections by Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski, Morton’s name surfaced as one of the picks drawing skepticism.
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The former Red Raider was selected in the seventh round by the Patriots, a move that didn’t generate much buzz nationally — but still managed to land on this list of picks analysts weren’t fully sold on.
"Morton's addition to New England's roster became problematic, because the Patriots were clearly taking a flyer on a player they liked even though he presents little upside for the organization," Sobleski writes. "The Patriots could have still addressed quarterback and gotten someone else with more growth potential to eventually become the team's primary backup quarterback."
With all due respect ...
We're betting the good people of B/R don't know as much about Morton’s college production or toughness or talent as the Patriots do.
And this weekend, during a rookie minicamp workout in New England, Morton put some of that on display.
Writes respected Patriots beat guy Mike Reiss:
"At Patriots rookie minicamp, QB Behren Morton among the notable storylines.
"Looks like he is successful in basics of getting the play called, getting everyone lined up, cadence, and the ball is out on time and mostly accurate.
"He’s 11-of-11 passing in the 11-on-11 period.''
In Reiss' story for ESPN Boston, he wrote of "QB Behren Morton's strong first impression'' for coach Mike Vrabel's team.
Red Raiders fans are not shocked.
During his time at Texas Tech, he showed resilience, leadership, and the ability to operate a high-powered offense.
This isn't supposed to go like it figures to go with EDGE David Bailey, who jumps from Lubbock to the New York Jets as the No. 2 overall pick in this NFL Draft.
An immediate impact is expected there.
But ...
Seventh-round picks are rarely expected to become franchise cornerstones, but teams still look for traits that can translate to developmental success.
This Patriots organization is responsible for the platform on which Tom Brady (a sixth-round pick) performed. And now it's starter is young Drake Maye, a first-rounder bound for superstardom.
So maybe they know something.
Writing off Morton now would ignore what made him successful in Lubbock. He was a steady presence for the Red Raiders, guiding the offense with poise and showing the kind of competitiveness coaches value.
He racked up just under 3000 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, and he did so while leading the Big 12 in completion percentage at 66 percent.
Landing in New England could also work in his favor. The Patriots are known for valuing intelligence and system fit at the quarterback position, and Morton will have time to develop behind established options. That kind of environment can be ideal for a late-round pick trying to carve out a role at the next level.
Ultimately, draft grades in May rarely define careers in December—or years down the line. While Morton’s selection may not have impressed everyone initially, the opportunity ahead of him remains very real. ... as his "early'' minicamp just proved.