Broncos' best pick in 2026 NFL Draft may prove to be the last one team made

Now that we have had over one week to digest the 2026 NFL Draft, we have a little bit more clarity with the selections that were made. 

The Denver Broncos only had seven picks in the draft, but they addressed positions of need with each of them, including selecting two tight ends. But in the seventh round, with the final pick of the draft at No. 257 overall, the Broncos chose Buffalo linebacker Khalil "Red" Murdock. 

That pick may end up meaning much more than just any old "Mr. Irrelevant". 

Murdock is the holder of the all-time record for forced fumbles in NCAA history, breaking Khalil Mack's record to get to the top. That could bode well for a player who joins a linebacker group in Denver that is in need of depth. 

Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad are projected to be the starting inside linebackers for the Broncos in 2026 after the team chose to part ways with Dre Greenlaw this offseason. But questions come with both of those players. Singleton is now 32 years old and he struggles at times against the pass. Strnad has been a solid backup, but he's never been a starter in his career. 

Behind them, the Broncos will look at moving Jonah Elliss to the inside while seeing what former undrafted players Levelle Bailey, Karene Reid and Jordan Turner can bring. But that's it. That is sure to be a boom-or-bust group. 

Murdock is a patient, but calculated, linebacker who is quite solid at making plays at the line of scrimmage. He could be an effective option against the run for this team and even offers something as a blitzer up the middle. He's a strong tackler who can also offer something in pass coverage. 

The Broncos needed an inside linebacker and while most of Broncos Country wanted to see that position addressed early, a run on them in the second round may have forced a different approach. However, how fortunate would the Broncos be if Murdock plays as well as many think he could?

Red Murdock may offer immediate help to Broncos

The inside linebacker position has been a weakness for the Broncos for several seasons. The team took a bit of a risk, by moving on from Greenlaw as quickly as it did, but the Broncos need players who are available, and Greenlaw just couldn't be available often enough. 

Murdock may offer more of an immediate upside than Bailey, Reid or Turner and have a chance to be an instant contributor for this team. With the issues the Broncos have had at the inside linebacker position in recent years, it should not be a surprise to see him not only make the 53-man roster but even make some starts this coming season. 

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The Broncos may have gotten incredible value with the draft's final pick. 

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