The way the NFL viewed the final pick in the draft — famously known as “Mr. Irrelevant” — changed forever in 2022.
That was the year the San Francisco 49ers used the final pick of the 7th round on Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy at No. 262 overall. In the last 4 years, Purdy became an NFL superstar, and it all came to a head when he signed a 5-year, $265 million contract extension in May 2025.
It means that the final pick, so long viewed as a throwaway, now means something to teams. For the Denver Broncos, it could address a key defensive need in 2026 after they selected University of Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock with the final pick of the draft at No. 257 overall.
DNVR’s Zac Stevens wrote that the 6-foot-2, 232-pound Murdock has an “eye-popping quality” that should be evident as the Broncos open their 2026 offseason workouts on Monday.
That quality for Murdock seems, more than anything else, to be versatility. With Murdock, the Broncos could get not only much-needed depth at inside linebacker but a player who could also make a huge impact on special teams.
Red Murdock: Baby Genius & Prep Football Star
Murdock, a Hopewell, Virginia native, might also be the smartest player on the Broncos’ roster the moment he steps in the locker room.
As an 8th grader, Murdock registered a perfect score on Virginia’s Standardized Testing System. While still in high school, he earned an Associate’s Degree while doing a dual enrollment program with a local junior college.
All of that happened while Murdock was becoming a prep football star at Hopewell High School, where he won a state championship alongside another future NFL player in running back Treveyon Henderson, who went on to star at Ohio State and was a 2nd-round pick (No. 39 overall) by the New England Patriots in the 2025 NFL draft.
After spending a post-graduate year at Fork Union Military Academy to earn a Division I scholarship, Murdock received 1 offer: from Buffalo.
Red Murdock: Tackling Machine & NFL Draft Pick
A closer look at Murdock’s numbers shows a player like few who have ever played college football.
After redshirting in 2022, Murdock went on a record-setting run over the last 3 seasons, racking up 364 tackles and setting the NCAA career record for forced fumbles (17) as well as the NCAA single-season record for forced fumbles (7).
The previous record holder was another Buffalo star in former No. 5 overall pick and 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack.
Murdock’s last 2 seasons were particularly outstanding as he earned consecutive All-MAC selections and was an All-American in 2025. He finished his career with 39.5 TFL and 9.0 sacks.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected Murdock as a 6th-round pick.
“Inside linebacker with a nose for the football and loads of production to prove it,” Zierlein wrote. “Murdock plays firm at the contact point with physicality and toughness. He’s ready for battle when the ball comes downhill, but he lacks the closing burst to stay ahead of blocking schemes and shut down the outside run before it turns the corner. He’s a consistent tackler with good stopping power when he’s in position. His coverage features too many mistakes and a lack of recovery talent. Murdock lacks speed and third-down value, but he’s tough, makes plays, and appears suited for core special-teams duties.”
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