Every year, there are prospects who dominate on the field but somehow slip through the cracks in the pre-draft buzz. Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock is firmly in that category. Despite being one of the most productive defenders in college football last season, he’s not even listed among the top 844 prospects in the NFL Mock Draft Database for 2026. That’s a major oversight.
Big time production
Murdock’s production in 2024 was borderline absurd. He racked up 156 total tackles—second-most in the country—and led the nation with seven forced fumbles, setting a new school record at Buffalo. He added 16.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception, and two pass breakups. He had 10 games with double-digit tackles, including a 19-tackle, 1-forced-fumble performance against Ball State that showcased his sideline-to-sideline presence and physicality.
As a run defender, Murdock has the instincts and toughness to carve out a role at the next level. He diagnoses plays quickly, takes good angles, and wraps up reliably, traits that earned him an 83.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. He plays downhill and has a true nose for the football. If your team needs help stopping the run, Murdock should be on your radar.
🔸#CFB G5 Spotlight🔸
— HERO Sports (@HEROSportsNews) June 30, 2025
Buffalo LB Red Murdock (@redmurdock2)
-2025 Gr.
-6-3, 235 lbs
-All-MAC & G5 All-American 1st Team
-156 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, 2 sacks & 1 INT in 2024
📸Paul Hokanson/@UBFootball @Pete_Lembo @Coach_JoeBowen @SSN_Buffalo pic.twitter.com/gyGayS1by6
That said, there are limitations. Murdock doesn’t have the athleticism or speed to hold up in man coverage against NFL-caliber backs or tight ends. He’s a classic two-down thumper who will struggle if asked to cover in space. That’s going to cap his value in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
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Still, there’s a place in the league for productive, physical linebackers who bring toughness and special teams upside. Murdock currently grades out as a seventh-round pick on my board. If he goes that late, he could be a steal for a team that values run defense and needs depth at middle linebacker. Don’t be surprised if he earns a roster spot and carves out a role early on special teams.
Bottom Line: Red Murdock isn’t flashy, but he hits, produces, and creates turnovers. That’s more than you can say about a lot of linebackers with more hype.