The 2026 NFL Draft concluded on Saturday afternoon, with New England making nine selections across the three days. Things kicked off with a first-round trade-up for Utah tackle Caleb Lomu. It marked the first time since 2012 that the Patriots moved up in the first round. They did the same in the second round to secure Gabe Jacas at No. 55.
Down the board, they added a tight end in Notre Dame's Eli Raridon at No. 95, while Day 3 saw them add depth across the roster, with three picks going to offense and defense each. One of those offensive selections on Day 3 was Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton.
While Morton is a young quarterback, it's obvious New England has no need for a starter after Drake Maye's stellar season in 2025.
In response to what his role on the team might look like, Morton said, "If he needs a coffee from Starbucks, I’m here for Drake. Whatever he needs in this process.”
Behren Morton on Drake Maye:
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) April 25, 2026
“If he needs a coffee from Starbucks, I’m here for Drake. Whatever he needs in this process.”
Behren Morton has a real shot to make the Patriots' 2026 roster
Morton, who turned 24 in January, played five seasons in Lubbock before being selected with the 234th pick. He threw for just shy of 9,000 yards and totaled 78 touchdowns to just 28 interceptions.
This past season, he threw for 2,780 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions while completing 66% of his passes. He led the Red Raiders to a playoff appearance, but was shut out 23-0 by Oregon.
Morton was one of two quarterbacks New England hosted for a top-30 visit, the other being Kansas' Jalon Daniels, who signed with the Buccaneers as a UDFA. They clearly liked him during the pre-draft process, and it would seem he has a real shot to make the roster.
The Patriots made some QB moves this offseason aside from Morton. Josh Dobbs was released in favor of Tommy DeVito, who was re-signed to be the backup. Morton will now look to fill the QB3 role with no competition, as things stand.
The Patriots did not sign a fourth quarterback during rookie free agency, and while adding a veteran later this spring doesn't seem impossible, it may not be necessary.
Morton will, of course, need to perform well over the summer and into preseason in order to secure a role for himself on the final 53, but with a positive outlook on his role and continued hard work, he could be a Patriots backup for years to come.
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