With the final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock. Murdock is Mr. Irrelevant, but he’s anything but irrelevant.
Murdock is a 6-2, 233-pound linebacker who is known for his big hits and causing turnovers. In three seasons, he forced an impressive 17 forced fumbles and was a tackling machine for Buffalo. He has a nose for the ball, a knack for causing turnovers, and is a physical player who will hit you hard.
The Athletic’s draft analyst, Dane Brugler, had a 4th-5th round grade on Murdock and had him ranked as his 12th-best linebacker in this class. He calls Murdock a magnet to the football and plays with a physicality that will get the job done in the NFL.
No need to know his number when watching film — Murdock is the guy always around the ball. He is still developing his instincts but drives on the football with a determined, attacking mindset to get through traffic. He does a nice job finding his balance as a one-on-one tackler without stopping his feet, which allows him to explode into ball carriers. Murdock is inconsistent as a space player, but he is a magnet to the football and plays with a physicality that will get the job done in the NFL. There is a place in the league for his competitive toughness and playmaking ability.
Murdock was one of the last prospect profiles I did before the draft, and I came out of that liking a lot more than I did coming in. He isn’t great in space or in coverage, that’s not his game, but he’s a physical downhill linebacker who can make some noise in the run game.
His limitations as a player likely limit him in the NFL. He’s not someone you want in space consistently, but there is a role for him. He has the makings of an early-down run defender who comes off the field on third/passing downs. However, where he will likely make the most noise, especially early in his career, will be on special teams.
Murdock will be able to use his nose for the small and ability to cause turnovers on special teams. He was a team leader and captain at Buffalo and just feels like a future special teams ace/captain. He has the mindset to thrive there and the ability to make some big hits and cause a few turnovers. I also wouldn’t rule out an early down/goal line package role for him at some point, either.
I believe Murdock has a pretty good shot at making the Broncos’ 53-man roster. The depth behind starters Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad is not great, and he feels like a player who will be a standout second or third teamer come the preseason. He will be fighting for a roster spot with Jordan Turner and Karene Reid, who both were on the 53-man roster last season as UDFA’s, and Taurean York, who signed as a UDFA this year. So, there will be tough competition amongst a number of players fighting for a roster spot, and this could be one of the more interesting roster battles to watch this offseason
