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Who is Mr. Irrelevant 2026? Meet Red Murdock, the last pick in this year's NFL Draft
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- Who is Mr. Irrelevant 2026? Meet Red Murdock, the last pick in this year's NFL Draft
Who is Mr. Irrelevant 2026? Meet Red Murdock, the last pick in this year's NFL Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The last pick of the NFL Draft has long been a spectacle due to the label it comes with. "Mr. Irrelevant" might not sound too charming, but for players who are willing to do anything just to hear their name called, it's a title they are glad to hear.
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The success rate for the final pick of the draft isn't high, but it's not zero. Just ask Brock Purdy , who famously went from Mr. Irrelevant to Super Bowl starting quarterback in less than two years.
History tells us it will take plenty of effort, but the NFL's newest Mr. Irrelevant has been given the opportunity to compete and carve out a career. The journey began just as the draft ended on Saturday.
Here's a first look at this year's Mr. Irrelevant and what made him relevant to the Broncos .
MORE: 12 best value picks in 2026 NFL Draft
Who is Mr. Irrelevant 2026?
The Broncos selected Buffalo LB Red Murdock with the 257th pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, making him the newest Mr. Irrelevant.
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Born as Khalil Murdock, the 22-year-old grew up in southeast Virginia before committing to play football at Buffalo and spending all five of his collegiate seasons with the Bulls in a modern-day rarity.
Murdock was a two-time All-MAC selection at Buffalo, emerging as a turnover machine with 17 forced fumbles over the last three seasons alone. Murdock forced six fumbles in 2025, recording a career-high five sacks along with 13.5 tackles for loss.
Those 17 forced fumbles broke an NCAA record set by Buffalo legend Khalil Mack . Now, Murdock will see Mack twice in 2026 if he sticks on the Broncos' roster.
MORE: See every pick of 2026 NFL Draft
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What is Mr. Irrelevant?
"Mr. Irrelevant" is the title that is given to the final player selected in the NFL Draft each year.
Despite a nickname that might seem rude at first, the title is intended to be endearing and originated from an "Irrelevant Week" celebration started by former NFL wide receiver Paul Salata in 1976. Salata announced the final selection of the draft every year until 2013, when he ceded those duties to his daughter.
"Irrelevant Week" is held annually in Newport Beach, Calif, where the new Mr. Irrelevant and his family get to spend a week. There, he tours Disneyland, attends media availabilities and even participates in a roast.
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The first Mr. Irrelevant after that label was created was Dayton wide receiver Kelvin Kirk. Kirk was selected by the Steelers with the 487th pick of the 17-round 1976 NFL Draft. The group includes 49ers QB Brock Purdy, who went on to start the Super Bowl just two years after being crowd as Mr. Irrelevant.
MORE: The 11 worst value picks of 2026 NFL Draft
Mr. Irrelevant history
Here is a list of the players who have earned the infamous "Mr. Irrelevant" title.
| Year |
Name |
Team |
Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 |
Red Murdock |
Broncos |
LB |
| 2025 |
Patriots |
CB |
|
| 2024 |
Jets |
S |
|
| 2023 |
Rams |
DT |
|
| 2022 |
Brock Purdy |
49ers |
QB |
| 2021 |
Buccaneers |
LB |
|
| 2020 |
Giants |
LB |
|
| 2019 |
Caleb Wilson |
Cardinals |
TE |
| 2018 |
Redskins |
WR |
|
| 2017 |
Broncos |
QB |
|
| 2016 |
Titans |
CB |
|
| 2015 |
Cardinals |
TE |
|
| 2014 |
Texans |
S |
|
| 2013 |
Colts |
TE |
|
| 2012 |
Colts |
QB |
|
| 2011 |
Texans |
DE |
|
| 2010 |
Tim Toone |
Lions |
WR |
| 2009 |
Chiefs |
K |
|
| 2008 |
David Vobora |
Rams |
OLB |
| 2007 |
Ramzee Robinson |
Lions |
CB |
| 2006 |
Kevin McMahan |
Raiders |
WR |
| 2005 |
Andy Stokes |
Patriots |
TE |
| 2004 |
Andre Sommersell |
Raiders |
LB |
| 2003 |
Ryan Hoag |
Raiders |
WR |
| 2002 |
Texans |
DT |
|
| 2001 |
Tevita Ofahengaue |
Cardinals |
TE |
| 2000 |
Michael Green |
Bears |
DB |
| 1999 |
Jim Finn |
Bears |
RB |
| 1998 |
Cam Quayle |
Ravens |
TE |
| 1997 |
Ronnie McAda |
QB |
|
| 1996 |
Sam Manuel |
49ers |
LB |
| 1995 |
Michael Reed |
Panthers |
DB |
| 1994 |
Marty Moore |
Patriots |
LB |
| 1993 |
Daron Alcorn |
Buccaneers |
K |
| 1992 |
Matt Elliott |
Redskins |
C |
| 1991 |
Larry Wanke |
Giants |
QB |
| 1990 |
Demetrius Davis |
Raiders |
TE |
| 1989 |
Everett Ross |
Vikings |
WR |
| 1988 |
Jeff Beathard |
Rams |
WR |
| 1987 |
Norman Jefferson |
Packers |
DB |
| 1986 |
Mike Travis |
Chargers |
DB |
| 1985 |
Donald Chumley |
49ers |
DT |
| 1984 |
Randy Essington |
Raiders |
QB |
| 1983 |
John Tuggle |
Giants |
RB |
| 1982 |
Tim Washington |
49ers |
DB |
| 1981 |
Phil Nelson |
Raiders |
TE |
| 1980 |
Tyrone McGriff |
G |
|
| 1979 |
Mike Almond |
Steelers |
WR |
| 1978 |
Lee Washburn |
G |
|
| 1977 |
Jim Kelleher |
Vikings |
RB |
| 1976 |
Kelvin Kirk |
Steelers |
WR |
