The Denver Broncos have officially brought the curtains down on the NFL 2026 draft proceedings by selecting Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock with the 257th and final pick. With this selection, Murdock inherits the historic moniker of “Mr. Irrelevant,” a title that has grown from a quirky draft-end tradition into a badge of honor for the ultimate underdog.
The Newest “Mr. Irrelevant”
The selection of Murdock marks the 50th anniversary of the Mr. Irrelevant title, which was first established in 1976 when the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Kelvin Kirk. While the name suggests a lack of consequence, the modern era has proven otherwise. Murdock joins a lineage of final-pick success stories, most notably San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, who transformed from the 2022 Mr. Irrelevant into a Super Bowl starter.
According to The Sports Odds, the Broncos’ choice of Murdock is a strategic depth move for a team that prioritized defensive stability throughout the weekend. As the final pick, Murdock will be the guest of honor for “Irrelevant Week,” a celebratory series of events in Newport Beach, California, which includes a parade and the presentation of the Lowman Trophy.
Also Read: Warzone on Ice: Hurricanes Sweep Senators Amidst Violent Playoff Clashes
Red Murdock’s Collegiate Legacy
Murdock arrives in Denver not just as a final-round flyer, but as a highly decorated collegiate defender. A standout at the University at Buffalo, Murdock etched his name into the record books by forcing 17 fumbles over his career. This achievement notably broke the previous NCAA record of 16, which was held by fellow Buffalo alumnus and NFL star Khalil Mack.
In his final season in 2025, Murdock was a force of nature, racking up 142 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks. These numbers earned him second-team Associated Press All-American honors and his second consecutive first-team All-MAC selection. Beyond his physical prowess, Murdock was recognized for his character and intellect, graduating magna cum laude with a degree in psychology and being named a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, often referred to as the “Academic Heisman.”
Broncos’ 2026 Draft Class
The addition of Murdock was the final piece of a seven-man draft class for Denver. The Broncos entered the draft without early capital due to a major trade for Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle but remained active on the final day. The full list of Denver’s 2026 selections includes:
- Round 3, No. 91: Tyler Onyedim, DT, Texas A&M
- Round 4, No. 121: Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington
- Round 5, No. 157: Kage Casey, OT, Boise State
- Round 6, No. 195: Justin Joly, TE, NC State
- Round 6, No. 203: Miles Scott, S, Illinois
- Round 7, No. 235: Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah
- Round 7, No. 257: Red Murdock, LB, Buffalo
Murdock joins a linebacker room that recently saw the re-signing of veterans Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad. While he may face an uphill battle for a starting role, his record-breaking ability to disrupt the ball and his experience on special teams—logging 339 special teams snaps in college—make him a prime candidate for a roster spot.
A Look Back at Recent Final Picks
The “Mr. Irrelevant” fraternity is a small but notable group. As this NFL News highlights, the trajectory of these players varies wildly, from Super Bowl champions to practice squad stalwarts. Here are the last ten players to be selected in the final slot:
- 2025: Kobee Minor, CB, New England Patriots
- 2024: Jaylen Key, S, New York Jets
- 2023: Desjuan Johnson, DE, Los Angeles Rams
- 2022: Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
- 2021: Grant Stuard, LB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 2020: Tae Crowder, LB, New York Giants
- 2019: Caleb Wilson, TE, Arizona Cardinals
- 2018: Trey Quinn, WR, Washington Commanders
- 2017: Chad Kelly, QB, Denver Broncos
- 2016: Kalan Reed, CB, Tennessee Titans
Murdock is the second player in ten years to be selected as Mr. Irrelevant by the Denver Broncos, following Chad Kelly in 2017. For Murdock, the title is simply an invitation to the dance. As he noted following his selection, the opportunity to play for a team he had admired long before the draft is “perfect,” regardless of the number attached to his name.
Also Read: From Concept to Court: How the 2026 AO StartUps Program is Scaling Global Tech