University of Buffalo Linebacker Selected as Mr. Irrelevant
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — Red Murdock, a linebacker from the University of Buffalo, found himself pondering whether he would be picked at all when the Denver Broncos chose him as “Mr. Irrelevant,” the last pick in the NFL Draft, coming in at 257th overall on Saturday.
“I had a plethora of thoughts racing through my mind, but I tried not to dwell on things I couldn’t control,” Murdock shared during a conference call from the team’s headquarters in suburban Denver. “When I received that call, I felt incredibly thankful.”
Utah tight end Darren Bentley was picked just before Murdock, as the Broncos held two final picks—something no other team has done since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970.
“I’m just thankful to join Broncos Country,” Bentley expressed. “I’m excited, it doesn’t really matter when or where I was drafted. I just need to seize every chance I get.”
Before Murdock, the only other “Mr. Irrelevant” in Denver’s history was Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly in 2017.
Broncos coach Sean Payton and general manager George Payton considered making Bentley “Mr. Irregular,” ultimately deciding to honor Murdock, who holds an FBS record for forcing 17 fumbles at Buffalo.
“He’s a tackling machine, incredibly instinctive, and strong against the run,” Payton noted. “He just has a relentless drive for the ball, and we believe he could make a solid special teamer.”
Payton described the unique situation of holding the final two picks in the draft: “There’s a brief window where you feel in control of things.”
But, interestingly enough, the phone was buzzing with calls.
“Believe it or not, several teams reached out, saying they were eyeing Mr. Irrelevant,” Payton mentioned.
“It turned out to be a popular pick,” the general manager concurred.
“We were weighing who would represent us at the Newport Beach gala and charity event held each year since 1976 to honor the final player selected,” he continued.
“It’s a unique moment. During my time, I’ve drafted two guys; both we picked up,” Payton added, though he mentioned no plans for the Broncos to send either player to the celebration.
“When we were talking about Bentley, we dubbed him the vice president of Mr. Irrelevant,” Payton commented. “So if he faces any challenges, he’ll have support.”
For Murdock, the opportunity in Denver was what mattered most.
“I’m incredibly grateful and thrilled to help the Broncos succeed,” Murdock stated. “I know a bit about being Mr. Irrelevant, but what’s crucial is the chance I have to contribute and help the team win.”
“It was pretty emotional. I was doing my best to hold it together in front of my family, but honestly, I was just really eager to embrace this opportunity. That’s what counts for me. I can’t wait to play for the Broncos; it’s a fantastic team.”
Interestingly, Murdock is among only 16 draft picks this year who did not come from a Power Four conference; included in this group is Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Ulla Bernard, a notable Nigerian talent who hasn’t played college football.
Murdock, like many draftees, had chances to move to larger schools but chose to remain faithful to Buffalo. “I had opportunities, but as I mentioned earlier, I prioritize being a team player,” he said. “That’s what really matters.”
The dynamics of name, image, and likeness, alongside a crowded transfer portal, have led top schools to attract standout players from smaller leagues, consolidating talent in the more dominant conferences.
While there were 70 draftees from lesser-known conferences in 2022, that figure has dwindled to 38 in 2023, followed by 34 in 2024, 24 in 2025, and then 16 this year.
Murdock aspires to follow in the footsteps of some successful “Mr. Irrelevant” picks, like 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy in 2022 and former Chiefs punter Ryan Succop in 2009.
