With the 257th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos were finally able to address their need at inside linebacker. They took Buffalo standout Red Murdock at the selection. He was one of this draft’s sleeper prospects at the position Scotty Payne was a big fan of and identified as a fit for the Broncos early on in the pre-draft process.

A tenacious player who was a starter in his final two seasons, wherever the ball was going you could count on Murdock being there to finish the tackle. Forcing turnovers was an emphasis for Head Coach Sean Payton to address this offseason, and their newest addition at linebacker forced 17 fumbles during his collegiate career and is one of the best run defending linebackers in this year’s draft.

Red Murdock (6’1 236) Buffalo+ Tone-setter physicality+ Highly productive with almost 300 tackles over the past two seasons + NCAA record 17 forced fumbles+ Quick to diagnose and react+ 91.3 run defense grade in 2025+ Non-stop motor+ Almost 2,200 career snaps played+… pic.twitter.com/KhtghsmgOV

— Bengals & Brews (@BengalsBrews) January 24, 2026

I’m a big fan of this selection for the Broncos. His production is off the charts and as you can see from his highlight reels above, all he does is make plays. Murdock isn’t going to be a day one starter, but the Broncos don’t need him to be.

He has the intelligence, traits, and high motor to eventually become one in the NFL, but at the very least should be a quality special teams’ player for the Broncos as a rookie. Denver has a handful of UDFA linebackers they’ve signed in recent years, but I’d be surprised if Murdock didn’t come in and make the final 53-man roster.