NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Buffalo LB Red Murdock

Matt HolderApr 16, 2026

Khalil "Red" Murdock is a highly productive linebacker who has good instincts against the run and makes his presence felt as a run defender, delivering big hits and forcing plenty of fumbles.

After high school, Murdock spent one year at prep school and was a 3-star recruit in the 2022 class. He was at Buffalo for four seasons, starting for two and a half of them to rack up 364 tackles, 39.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks, an interception (one pick-six), three passes defended and 17 forced fumbles.

According to Sports Reference, he's the FBS career leader in FFs, surpassing fellow former Bull Khalil Mack this past season. Murdock also led the MAC in each of the last three campaigns and all FBS players in 2024 for the metric. Additionally, that helped him earn All-American honors (2025) and two first-team all-conference selections (2024, 2025).

Matt Holder has been a part of B/R's Scouting Department for four seasons. He also writes about the Las Vegas Raiders and NFL draft for SB Nation's Silver and Black Pride, and co-hosts a YouTube Channel, Tape Don't Lie, providing film breakdowns and more draft prospect analysis.

Where He Wins

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: SEP 28 Buffalo at UConn

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- Murdock has good instincts against the run to quickly key and diagnose play designs and be in the perfect spot to make tackles near the line of scrimmage. He's also patient to help avoid the trash.

- When taking on blocks, he's physical, uses his hands and has some pop to take the fight to offensive linemen.

- Solid strength to hold his ground versus linemen in the run game.

- Effective tackler in the box, wrapping up consistently, using good pad level and showing some force. He can limit yards after contact and doesn't miss much, considering how often he's around the ball.

- Also has a knack for punching the ball out and forcing fumbles.

- Physical in coverage and has the strength to get reroutes versus tight ends.

Areas of Improvement

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COLLEGE FOOTBALL: AUG 28 Buffalo at Minnesota

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- Murdock is on the lighter side for an NFL linebacker and already is a subpar athlete, calling into question whether his college production will translate with the big step up in competition.

- Lacks the lateral movement skills and speed to cover running backs in man coverage or tighten throwing windows when playing zone. Projects as a two-down backer at the next level.

- In zone coverage, he has a tendency to drift out of his area and leave pass-catchers wide open.

- Below-average speed limits his sideline-to-sideline range.

- Has short arms, which can lead to him getting stuck on blocks. He needs to develop a move to escape as a run defender.