Buffalo LB Red Murdock selected 257th overall by Denver Broncos in 2026 NFL Draft
Murdock, the latest Mr. Irrelevant, continues an impressive linebacker legacy at UB.
Red Murdock may be 2026's Mr. Irrelevant, but his college career and playmaking ability is anything but.
The Denver Broncos selected one of college football's most-feared tacklers with the 257th and final pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, adding another pro prospect to an already-impressive linebacker legacy for the Bulls.
Murdock is the MAC's fourth Mr. Irrelevant since the title began to be doled out in 1976, and first since 2023, when the Los Angeles Rams selected Toledo's Desjuan Johnson with the final pick.
Murdock combined with future NFL contributor Shaun Dolac to form one of the best linebacker tandems in the country in 2024. In that season, Murdock had 156 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, and a staggering seven forced fumbles, earning him first-team All-MAC honors.
Murdock maintained the same level of play in 2025, finishing second in the NCAA in tackles in both seasons, and the country took notice.
Murdock earned second team All-American honors from the Associated Press, Football Writers of America, and the Walter Camp Foundation in 2025 after a season which totaled 142 tackles, 13.5 tackles-for-loss, and another six forced fumbles.
By the end of his career with UB, Murdock– whose given name is Khalil– would surpass former Bull 'backer Khalil Mack for the NCAA's all-time career forced fumble record (17).
Pro scouts took notice of Murdock's productivity, doling out an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl as well as the NFL Scouting Combine for his efforts.
Murdock's natural tackling ability figures to make him an immediate contributor on special teams, but he could also earn some reps in defensive situations right away. Bleacher Report's Matt Holder describes Murdock as a "highly productive linebacker who has good instincts against the run and makes his presence felt as a run defender, delivering big hits and forcing plenty of fumbles." NFL.com's Lance Zierlein says that Murdock is, "a consistent tackler with good stopping power when he’s in position", while lauding his toughness and suitability for NFL special teams duty.
Murdock will compete with Levelle Bailey, Karene Reid, Alex Singleton, Justin Strnad, and Jordan Turner at the inside linebacker position. Although the position is loaded in Denver, Murdock's pedigree shows he will get a significant look in the preseason for the Broncos.
