The Denver Broncos made two selections on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft that will likely fly under the radar for most casual fans. But for those who cherish the pageantry and human-interest stories that make the draft special, the final pick carried a weight that transcended scouting grades and 40-yard dash times.
With the 257th overall selection -- the very last pick in the seven-round event -- the Broncos tapped Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock, officially crowning him this year's "Mr. Irrelevant." Contrary to how it might sound, this title is one of the most celebrated traditions in American sports, and Denver now stands at the center of it.
Before Murdock's name was called, the Broncos had already made a pick signaling the type of organization they are becoming under the current front office. With the 256th overall pick, Denver selected Utah tight end Dallen Bentley, a hometown product from Taylorsville who grew up near Rice-Eccles Stadium. Bentley is a hard-nosed, versatile player who fits the mold of what the Broncos seek in late-round developmental talent. But the real spark came one pick later.
The Tradition of Mr. Irrelevant
For the uninitiated, "Mr. Irrelevant" is the playful, unofficial title bestowed upon the final player selected in each NFL Draft. The tradition began in 1976 by former NFL wide receiver Paul Salata, who, along with his family, turned the designation into a weeklong celebration. Each year, the Irrelevant Week committee hosts a series of events for the honoree, culminating in a trip to Newport Beach, California, where the player is celebrated rather than mocked.
While the title has been held by future Hall of Famers and players who never played a down in the NFL, being Mr. Irrelevant has gained a cachet in recent years. Players like Brock Purdy (2022), drafted last by the San Francisco 49ers, have shown that a final-round pick can not only make a roster but become a franchise quarterback. Although Purdy's path is an outlier, it has elevated the perception of the pick. Now, when a team makes the final selection, there is genuine hope -- not just a punchline.
For the Broncos, selecting Murdock with the 257th pick was a strategic move. Sources indicate the team had an eye on the Buffalo linebacker throughout the late rounds. When it became clear he might slip past the sixth and seventh rounds, the front office saw an opportunity. They recognized value not only in the player but also in the narrative.
The Player: Red Murdock
Murdock is no mere project. He is a physical, downhill linebacker who played three seasons at Buffalo, finishing his senior year with 97 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. He served as a team captain and was known for being a vocal leader in the locker room. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Murdock projects primarily as a special teams contributor initially, but his instincts against the run and ability to shed blocks make him a candidate for a depth linebacker role.
What stands out about Murdock is not his athletic testing -- his 4.68-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day was solid if unspectacular -- but his football IQ. In interviews, he demonstrated an advanced understanding of defensive concepts, and Buffalo's coaching staff praised his preparation. The Broncos' defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, and the linebacker coaches will have a raw, moldable talent to develop.
Additionally, Murdock's character was a decisive factor. With the Mr. Irrelevant pick, teams value players who will embrace the attention. The Irrelevant Week festivities include media appearances, a parade, and a lighthearted roast. Some players dislike being the focus in this quirky context. Not Murdock. According to a post-draft interview, he said, "I don't see it as an insult. I see it as a platform. I'm going to go to Irrelevant Week, have a great time, and then I'm going to come to Denver and work my tail off."
How the Pick Came Together
Selecting Mr. Irrelevant is often more collaborative and intentional than fans realize. As the seventh round winds down, the NFL league office tracks which team holds the final pick. This year, that team was the Denver Broncos. General Manager George Paton and Head Coach Sean Payton conferred in the draft room as the pick approached.
The front office had organized a list of remaining prospects by position and scheme fit. Linebacker was a positional need, and Murdock was the highest-graded linebacker left on their board. But there was also consideration for the story the pick would tell. Broncos' social media and communications teams had already prepared content packages, and the league was ready to handle the transition.
When the pick was officially made, the room erupted -- not because they believed they'd drafted an immediate superstar, but because they had selected a player who genuinely wanted to be there, would positively represent the organization during Irrelevant Week, and possessed a realistic chance to contribute in Denver.
What Comes Next for Murdock
Irrelevant Week festivities begin soon after the draft. Murdock and his family will be flown to Newport Beach, California, for events including a golf tournament, a harbor cruise, and the iconic "Lowsman Trophy" banquet -- where the honoree receives a trophy depicting a player fumbling a football, the opposite of the Heisman pose.
For the Broncos, the real work begins when Murdock arrives in Denver. Despite being drafted last, he will receive attention akin to a priority undrafted free agent. The team will test his special teams capabilities and overall fit in drills during rookie minicamps and OTAs to evaluate if he can earn a spot on the 53-man roster or the practice squad.
History notes the odds are long. Of the 49 Mr. Irrelevant picks from 1976 through 2024, only a handful enjoyed substantial NFL careers. However, the modern NFL is more forgiving to late-round picks. Expanded practice squads and multi-year player development improve the chances for players like Murdock to carve out roles.
For the Broncos, this pick is more than a player acquisition; it represents a commitment to culture. Taking the final pick symbolizes belief in opportunity and giving overlooked players a chance. This small gesture resonates with fans and prospects alike.
The Dallen Bentley Pick: Context and Depth
One pick before Murdock, the Broncos selected Dallen Bentley, a tight end out of Utah who brings a local flavor to the roster. Bentley, who hails from Taylorsville, Utah, played four seasons with the Utes, compiling 32 catches for 345 yards and three touchdowns over his career. He is better known for his blocking than receiving, but his size (6-foot-4, 252 pounds) and reliable hands suggest potential as a dependable inline tight end.
Bentley fills a depth need behind Denver's top tight ends. Immediate playing time is unlikely, but his familiarity with Mountain West competition and special teams contributions make him a good candidate for a roster spot.
Together, Bentley and Murdock represent a strategic duo in the final moments of the draft -- one a steady, known quantity to add depth, the other a character-driven pick who embodies the hope and narrative of the final selection. It was a mini-class within the draft class.
The Big Picture
The Broncos entered the 2026 draft with a clear identity: build through the trenches, add versatile athletes, and prioritize character. The selections of Bentley and Murdock in the draft's closing moments are extensions of that philosophy.
While fans will primarily remember the earlier round picks -- the stars, the starters, the trades -- those who appreciate the game's human side will recall the final pick. Red Murdock, Mr. Irrelevant 2026, will travel to California, claim the Lowsman Trophy, and then quietly set to work.
In the enduring tradition of the NFL Draft's last selection, sometimes the most "irrelevant" pick becomes the most relevant story. The Denver Broncos are betting this one will be worth telling.
