The MAC has been a goldmine for underrated gems over the years. While there is one former MAC player in line to be taken in the first round, there are a few late-round gems worth looking at. Red Murdock is one of those gems. An absolute tackling machine, Murdock could be a valuable Day 3 piece for any team.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Red Murdock
Measurables
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 232 pounds
Arms: 31″
Hands: 10.38″
40-yard: 4.75
Vertical: 31.5″
Broad jump: 9′ 6″
RAS: 6.81
School: Buffalo
Red Murdock NFL Draft Overview
Out of high school, Murdock actually spent a season as a post-graduate player at Fork Union Military Academy. After leading FUMA to an undefeated record, he earned a shot with Buffalo. In his first season with the Bulls in 2022, Murdock redshirted after playing in five games in which he recorded six tackles and a pass breakup.
He started to come into his own in 2023. In 12 games, Murdock accounted for 60 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a whopping four forced fumbles (most in the MAC). Then, in 2024, Murdock broke out. In 13 starts, he added 156 tackles (second-most in the nation…to his teammate), 16.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, a pick-six, a pass breakup, and seven forced fumbles (most in the nation).
He kept it up again last year. In total, Murdock amassed 142 tackles (second-most in the nation), 13.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, a pass breakup, two fumble recoveries, and another six forced fumbles (most in the MAC).
He was a two-time selection for the first-team All-MAC and earned Murdock heads to the NFL with the most forced fumbles in college football history, with 17, breaking former Buffalo Bull legend Khalil Mack’s record.
Strengths
- Ridiculous production with 358 tackles, 39.5 TFLs, and 17 forced fumbles over the last three seasons
- Is a real thumper coming downhill
- Can absorb blocks well
- Reliable tackler in space
- Reads and reacts to offensive line schemes well
- Fantastic sideline-to-sideline, four-quarter motor
Weaknesses
- Not reliable in coverage at all
- Change of direction is a bit stiff
- May have great motor, but lacks top speed to keep up with wheel routes, etc.
- Active liability in man coverage
Projection: Sixth Round
Best Fits: Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars
Bottom Line on Red Murdock
No player in the history of college football was as disruptive and adept at forcing fumbles as Murdock. Legitimately, forcing 17 fumbles (plus a pick-six) does not happen by accident. Murdock has the motor and drive to make it in the NFL in some way.
He’s not quick enough to keep up in coverage, and asking him to do so would be setting him and the defense up for failure altogether. However, if he is used in obvious run downs as a downhill thumper, Murdock could continue his highly productive play.
It’s not likely that he will be an every-down linebacker at the next level. He could be a fan favorite depth piece with his effort and ability to create chaos.
Main Image: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
