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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton finally landed Mr. Irrelevant.
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton finally got their guy, Khalil “Red” Murdock, the “Mr. Irrelevant” of the 2026 draft.
Since 1976, that is the moniker bestowed upon the final pick of the draft. Paton and Payton were hot in pursuit of that slot just two years ago in the 2024 cycle. That year, it was safety Jaylen Key. He has yet to see the field during a regular-season game and is a free agent.
However, there are some notable hits with that pick, and the Broncos hope Murdock is another.
GettyNew Denver Broncos linebacker Red Murdock broke an FBS record set by Khalil Mack.
First, Murdock set the FBS record with 17 forced fumbles during his career. He surpassed Los Angeles Chargers star and fellow UB alum Khalil Mack.
“Inside linebacker with a nose for the football and loads of production to prove it. Murdock plays firm at the contact point with physicality and toughness. He’s ready for battle when the ball comes downhill, but he lacks the closing burst to stay ahead of blocking schemes and shut down the outside run before it turns the corner. He’s a consistent tackler with good stopping power when he’s in position,” NFL.coms Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile.
“His coverage features too many mistakes and a lack of recovery talent. Murdock lacks speed and third-down value, but he’s tough, makes plays and appears suited for core special-teams duties.”
After cutting ties with Dre Greenlaw this offseason, the Broncos will add Murdock to their group behind projected starters Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad.
GettyRed Murdock checks a long-standing box of the Broncos list.
The New York Jets fought to retain the rights to the Mr. Irrelevant pick in 2024. That was despite making two trades with the Broncos that offseason. One each sent John Franklin-Myers and the other Zach Wilson.
The Broncos have drafted Mr. Irrelevant once before in franchise history. That was quarterback Chad Kelly. He had a short NFL career, but continues to play in the CFL.
There is a storied history behind the slot that comes with its perks, despite the name.
“Launched in 1976 by NFL alumnus Paul Salata, Irrelevant Week is the annual celebration recognized by the National Football League that honors the last player to be picked in the NFL Draft,” the “Irrelevant Week” About page reads.
“The annual Irrelevant Week celebration kicks off at the NFL Draft with Paul Salata presiding over the official naming of “Mr. Irrelevant” as the last player drafted. Then, in early summer, Mr. Irrelevant is feted with a weeklong series of events held in Newport Beach, California. Mr. Irrelevant is the toast of an Arrival Party welcoming him to town, where NFL fans and the local community come out in force to cheer the player and shower him with gifts from businesses and patrons near and far.”
That is only a portion of the extended celebration that Murdock is now privy to as the final player to come off the board in the 2026 draft.
His story will be one to watch for the rest of his career.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He's based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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