Full Breakdown
Denver Broncos Crown Red Murdock “Mr. Irrelevant” in 2026 NFL Draft
4/26/2026, 8:51:15 PM
The Final Pick: Red Murdock Becomes Mr. Irrelevant
On April 26, 2026 the Denver Broncos used the 257th and final selection of the NFL Draft to select linebacker Khalil “Red” Murdock from the University at Buffalo. The pick follows the Broncos’ No. 256 selection of Utah tight end Dallen Bentley, giving Denver the only team since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger to hold the last two draft slots. The franchise’s previous “Mr. Irrelevant” was Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly in 2017.
The “Mr. Irrelevant” Tradition
The moniker originated in 1976 when Kelvin Kirk was the first player to receive it. Former NFL player Paul Salata coined the nickname and created “Irrelevant Week,” a celebration that includes a parade, a trip to Disneyland and the presentation of the Lowsam Trophy in Newport Beach, California. Salata’s intent is to frame the final pick as an honor rather than a slight.
Decision-Makers Behind the Selection
Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton deliberated whether to award the title to Bentley or Murdock. Payton noted the rarity of controlling the final two picks, while Paton highlighted Murdock’s “nose for the ball” and potential as a special-teams contributor. The Broncos also secured compensatory picks at No. 246 (Illinois safety Miles Scott) after losing running back Javonte Williams and punter Riley Dixon in free agency.
Statistics That Define Murdock
- 142 tackles in his senior season, the second-most in the nation.
- 13.5 tackles for loss.
- Forced-fumble totals reported as 13 in one source and a record-setting 17 in another.
- Two consecutive seasons with 156 and 142 tackles respectively.
- One of only 16 draft selections in 2026 who did not attend a Power-Four conference school.
Official Broncos Perspective
The organization framed the pick as a strategic move to bolster the defense and special teams. Paton described Murdock as “a tackling machine, really instinctive, really good against the run,” emphasizing his relentless motor. Payton added that several other teams expressed interest in the final pick, underscoring the “hot pick” status of the selection. The Broncos also referenced the tradition’s growing prestige, noting that the success of former “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy has turned the final slot into a potential advantage.
Player’s Own View
Murdock expressed gratitude and determination, saying he was “extremely grateful and excited to help the Broncos win” and that he intends to “make the most of the opportunity” despite the emotional pressure of the moment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Murdock’s forced-fumble total: one article cites 13 forced fumbles, while another claims a school record of 17. No additional verification is provided, leaving the exact figure unresolved.
Why the Pick Matters
Holding the last two draft selections gives Denver a unique media spotlight and the chance to shape the narrative around the “Mr. Irrelevant” tradition. Murdock’s proven tackling ability offers a potential boost to special-teams play, while his selection highlights the decreasing representation of non-Power-conference athletes—only 16 of 2026’s draftees came from such schools.
Upcoming Irrelevant Week Celebration
Murdock will travel to Newport Beach for the annual Irrelevant Week festivities, which include a parade, a Disneyland outing and the presentation of the Lowsam Trophy. The event is scheduled for early July, preceding Broncos training camp.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We established Irrelevant Week to drive home an important message — that it’s not a negative to be picked last in the NFL Draft; rather, it’s an honor to be drafted at all,” — Paul Salata, Founder of the Mr. Irrelevant tradition
- “The thoughts crept in, but I was trying to keep my mind off of things that I can’t control,” — Khalil “Red” Murdock, Linebacker, University at Buffalo
- “Man, he’s a tackling machine, really instinctive, really good against the run,” — George Paton, Denver Broncos General Manager
- “There were a handful of teams, believe it or not, that called about coming to get Mr. Irrelevant,” — Sean Payton, Denver Broncos Head Coach
