Red Murdock’s NFL Draft Projection & Profile: The Buffalo LB Is As Reliable As They Come

Some players just have a nose for the ball. That’s the case with Red Murdock.

The linebacker from the University of Buffalo was one of the top tacklers in not just the Group of Six but in the entire FBS. He finished both the 2024 and 2025 seasons with the second-most tackles in the country. 

Murdock’s play earned him first-team All-MAC honors in both of those seasons and landed him on the NFL Draft radar.

Red Murdock NFL Draft Projection

I project Red Murdock will be selected in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Murdock is viewed as a Day 3 prospect, and I believe he could even hear his name called in the back half of the sixth round.

Red Murdock’s 40 Time & NFL Combine Results

Red Murdock has been dealing with an ankle injury since the season and did not compete in measurable drills at the NFL Combine. He did compete in Buffalo’s Pro Day at the end of March, however, where he logged a 4.67-second 40-yard dash and 22 bench reps, which would have been third-most among linebackers at the combine. 

Red Murdock’s Height & Weight

Red Murdock was measured at 6-foot-2, 232 pounds.

Red Murdock Stats & Highlights

In 15 starts the past two seasons, Murdock compiled 298 tackles and 30 tackles for loss. He tallied 142 tackles, 13 TFLs, and five sacks last season to earn second-team All-American honors from the Associated Press. He was also a Group of Five All-American. 

Murdock created a ton of havoc and broke the FBS record with 17 forced fumbles in his career and, over the last two seasons, registered double-digit tackles in 18 games.

I think it’s also worth noting his efforts in the community. He founded a free K-12 tutoring program named Virginia Homework Helpers. I don’t think those types of traits should go overlooked in the draft process.

Where Is Red Murdock From?

Red Murdock hails from Petersburg, Virginia, where he graduated from Hopewell High School. Murdock also attended Fork Union Military Academy, a college prep school that has had over 100 alumni play in the NFL. 

Red Murdock NFL Draft Profile & Comparison

There’s no doubt Murdock boasts a ton of physicality, but his anticipation and discipline are what often puts him in position to make plays. He’s typically in the right place at the right time, and isn’t forced to rely on his athleticism or his speed to get to the ball. This showcases his high football IQ as well. He’s consistent and never takes a play off. His numbers speak for themselves. 

Murdock has also proven to be durable throughout college. He played in every game over the past three seasons, and he was always ready to make an impact. 

While he can blitz and get to the quarterback effectively, there’s some room for him to improve as a pass rusher. With added quickness and burst, he should get better in that area. Murdock can also improve in pass coverage, which could make him liable as a third-down backer. 

I think Murdock plays similar to former Cincinnati and Dallas LB Logan Wilson, another G5 product who became a tackling machine by sticking to the fundamentals and remaining disciplined.

There are some areas Murdock needs to improve on to get consistent reps at the next level, but I think he has the foundation to become a contributor for an NFL defense.