The Denver Broncos made the final selection of the 2026 NFL Draft on Saturday evening in Pittsburgh, selecting University of Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock with the 257th overall pick. This distinction makes Murdock this year's "Mr. Irrelevant," the title given to the last player chosen in the seven-round selection process.
While the moniker might imply otherwise, Murdock arrives in Denver with legitimate game tape, a prototypical NFL body type, and a determined mindset--qualities the Broncos organization has historically valued when turning late-round picks into roster contributors. The team marked the occasion by posting a photo series on its official website showcasing Murdock's journey from Buffalo to Denver, signaling the front office's appreciation not only for the tradition but also the potential this pick represents.
Who is Red Murdock?
Setting aside the novelty of the Mr. Irrelevant title, Red Murdock is a linebacker who played four seasons at Buffalo in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). He developed from a role primarily on special teams into a dependable three-down defender during his final two seasons with the Bulls. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 234 pounds, Murdock fits the mold of a modern off-ball linebacker--more of a physical, downhill hitter than a speedster covering sideline-to-sideline, but a player who diagnoses run plays quickly and attacks with purpose.
In his senior year, Murdock recorded 97 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. These numbers ranked him among the MAC's best run-stoppers. He also contributed one interception and four pass breakups, reflecting a versatile skill set extending beyond run defense. His performances against Power Five conference opponents were particularly eye-catching, including a notable 14-tackle game against Wisconsin in 2025. This helped Murdock earn invitations to the postseason All-Star circuit and the NFL Combine.
On a personal note, "Red" is not a nickname. Born Reginald Murdock III, he was nicknamed "Red" by his grandfather due to his distinctive fiery red hair. The name stuck throughout his football career and is the one that will appear on his Broncos jersey.
Why the Broncos Selected Him
The final pick in the NFL Draft is rarely about immediate impact. Denver could have traded this selection for a conditional pick in the 2027 draft or simply passed. Instead, head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton chose to use the pick on a player who addresses a specific need at linebacker.
Denver's linebacker corps features a veteran starter and a promising second-year contributor, but depth beyond those top options is thin. Murdock projects as a core special teams player during his rookie season, with a realistic shot to compete for a backup linebacker spot if his coverage skills translate effectively in training camp against NFL-caliber route combinations. Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph values linebackers who play with their eyes on the quarterback and quickly interpret run-pass options--traits Murdock consistently displayed at Buffalo.
Murdock particularly shined in the pre-draft process for his football intelligence. Draft analysts noted how rapidly he identified screens and misdirection plays during Senior Bowl week. In a league that tests defenses with pre-snap motion and run-pass options (RPOs), a linebacker who processes reads quickly can be more valuable than one who simply runs a faster 40-yard dash.
The Mr. Irrelevant Tradition and Denver's History
The title "Mr. Irrelevant" has become a celebrated part of NFL Draft lore, thanks largely to the annual "Irrelevant Week" festivities held each year in Newport Beach, California. These celebrations include a parade, a golf tournament, and the presentation of the Lowsman Trophy--an amusing bronze statue depicting a player fumbling a football, serving as a playful counterpart to the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Denver has selected Mr. Irrelevant three times previously. The first was in 1980, when the Broncos picked kicker Chad Brown (not to be confused with the Hall of Famer pass rusher of the same name). Although his NFL tenure was brief, Brown did play in the league. The Broncos' second was offensive lineman Terrance Pennington in 2007, who dressed for 12 games before moving on to Buffalo and Atlanta.
Perhaps the most relevant precedent for Murdock is cornerback Chris Hawkins, selected as Mr. Irrelevant by Denver in 1986. Hawkins made the Broncos' roster and appeared in two Super Bowls with the team, carving out a four-year NFL career. That represents the realistic ceiling for many Mr. Irrelevant picks--a solid professional career, if not stardom. Of the roughly 50 players crowned Mr. Irrelevant since 1976, about one-third have played in at least one regular-season NFL game, and only a handful started multiple seasons.
What Comes Next for Murdock
Murdock's immediate goal is clear: earn a spot on the Broncos' 53-man roster through special teams. The team's special teams coordinator--whoever holds that role entering the 2026 season--will be his primary evaluator during training camp. Excelling as a reliable gunner on punt coverage and a disciplined blocker on return units will significantly improve Murdock's chances of securing a roster spot.
He benefits from an advantage unavailable to many prior Mr. Irrelevant picks: a full modern offseason program. Murdock will participate in rookie minicamp, organized team activities (OTAs), and the full training camp schedule. He won't have to impress coaches in just a handful of padded practices before final cuts. Instead, he'll have the entire summer to learn the Broncos' playbook, build rapport with coaching staff and teammates, and prove his worth.
The Broncos' official website captured fans' hearts with an emotional photo series documenting Murdock's reaction to being drafted, conversations with his family, and his journey to Denver. Such content helps fans connect with late-round picks on a personal level. However, it will ultimately be Murdock's on-field performance that determines his future.
The Final Verdict
The 257th pick in the NFL Draft is very much a lottery ticket. Most late selections don't amount to long-term contributors. Yet the Broncos chose to invest their final pick in a player who meets many important criteria: production against quality competition, NFL size, football intelligence, and a clear path to roster inclusion via special teams.
Red Murdock is more than just a feel-good story. He represents a legitimate competition candidate at training camp, with a realistic chance at carving out a role for himself in Denver's defense and special teams units.
His journey from Buffalo to Denver is complete. The real work starts now. If the Broncos get the player who terrorized MAC offenses and held his own against Power Five opponents, they may have uncovered a valuable roster piece where most teams find only a footnote.
