Behren Morton Draft Grade | Round 7, Pick 18 | FanVerdicts

Top 9%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Good Value

Position

QB · Premium Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #216 · Day 3 Sleeper

Behren Morton enters the 2026 NFL Draft as a prototypical Air Raid quarterback who spent four productive seasons at Texas Tech. After taking over as the starter midway through his sophomore campaign, Morton developed into one of the Big 12's most prolific passers, showcasing exceptional arm talent and deep ball accuracy. His draft stock has fluctuated due to concerns about his ability to translate from the Red Raiders' spread system to NFL concepts, along with inconsistent pocket presence against elite pass rushers. Morton possesses the arm strength and football IQ to warrant developmental consideration, but his mechanical inconsistencies and limited experience under center make him a project quarterback best suited for a patient organization willing to invest in his long-term potential.

Strengths

+Possesses legitimate NFL arm strength with the ability to drive the ball downfield on frozen ropes, consistently showing velocity on 15-20 yard out routes that arrive before defensive backs can close.

+Demonstrates excellent deep ball accuracy and touch, regularly placing passes in tight windows on vertical routes with proper arc and timing.

+Shows advanced pre-snap recognition skills with the ability to identify defensive rotations and communicate protection adjustments to his offensive line.

+Displays solid pocket mobility and escapability when pass rush breaks down, using subtle movements to create throwing lanes without abandoning the pocket prematurely.

+Exhibits good football IQ and decision-making in the Air Raid system, showing patience to work through multiple progressions when time allows.

+Demonstrates leadership qualities and competitive fire, often rallying teammates during adverse situations and showing resilience after turnovers or poor plays.

+Possesses quick release mechanics when throwing from the gun, getting the ball out rapidly on timing routes and screens.

+Shows ability to layer passes over linebackers and under safeties in the intermediate range, demonstrating good ball placement on crossing routes.

+Displays solid red zone accuracy on fade routes and back-shoulder throws, using touch and anticipation to complete contested catches.

+Exhibits good field vision to identify open receivers in scramble situations, keeping eyes downfield while extending plays with his legs.

+Shows coachability and work ethic, consistently improving his mechanics and decision-making throughout his college career.

NFL Comparison: Gardner Minshew

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Behren Morton

Pick Context

Scouting Report

Strengths

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