Red Murdock

NFL Draft Profile: Red Murdock

Position: Middle Linebacker (MIKE) | School: Buffalo | Class: Graduate Student

Height: 6'2" | Weight: 240 lbs | Archetype: Run Stopper / Hybrid

College Career Summary

Red Murdock leaves Buffalo as one of the most productive and technically sound linebackers in the school's history. A former walk-on, Murdock became the heartbeat of the Bulls' defense, twice earning First-Team All-MAC honors. He gained national attention in 2024 when he finished second in the NCAA with 156 tackles and led the country in forced fumbles (7). His 2025 season was a masterclass in consistency; he recorded 142 total tackles and continued his historic ball-punching streak, setting the NCAA career record for forced fumbles (17). His career culminated in a Defensive MVP performance in the 2025 Bahamas Bowl, where he recorded a pick-six and two forced fumbles to secure a victory over Liberty.

Highlight Career Stats:

• Games Played: 42+

• Total Tackles: 350+ (142 in 2025)

• Tackles For Loss (TFL): 39.5 (13.5 in 2025)

• Sacks: 9.0 (5.0 in 2025)

• Interceptions: 2 (1 in 2025 - Pick-six)

• Forced Fumbles: 17 (NCAA Record)

2025 Season Game-by-Game Grades

Opponent	Stats	Grade	Key Performance Note
vs. Lafayette	10 Tkl, 1.0 Sk	B+	Dominant opener; physical at the point of attack.
@ Missouri	16 Tkl	A	Star Impact. Showed he can play at the SEC level.
vs. UMass	9 Tkl	B	Solid in run support; efficient tackling.
@ NIU	12 Tkl, 2 FF	A	Typical Murdock: high volume and created turnovers.
@ UConn	9 Tkl, 1 FF	B+	Relentless High Motor throughout a close loss.
vs. EMU	17 Tkl, 1 FF	A+	Season Best. Total command of the box; impossible to block.
@ Western MI	9 Tkl	B	Dependable as the "Green Dot" signal-caller.
vs. Ohio	14 Tkl, 1.5 TFL	A-	High-level Play Recognition against a complex run game.
vs. Akron	13 Tkl, 1.5 Sk	A	Impacted the pocket while maintaining run gap integrity.
@ Ball State	10 Tkl	B	Reliable performance; controlled the middle of the field.
@ CMU	11 Tkl	B-	Worst Game. Struggled slightly with high-end perimeter speed.
vs. Kent State	12 Tkl, 2.0 TFL	B+	Physical finisher; shut down the interior rushing attack.
Bahamas Bowl (Liberty)	13 Tkl, 1 INT (TD)	A+	Defensive MVP; capped career with a pick-six.

Scouting Report

Strengths

• Turnover Specialist: His ability to force fumbles (17 career FF) is not luck—it is a mastered Technique. He actively targets the ball on every contact.

• Pro-Ready IQ: One of 16 finalists for the Campbell Trophy ("Academic Heisman"). He is an elite processor who makes all the checks and calls for the defense.

• Prototypical Size: At a rock-solid 240 lbs, he has the "thumper" frame required to take on NFL lead blockers and stay healthy over a 17-game season.

• Tackling Machine: High-volume production is backed by sound mechanics. He strikes with a low center of gravity and drives through the ball carrier.

Weaknesses

• Lateral Range: While he is a downhill "hammer," his Agility when forced to move sideline-to-sideline against 4.4 speedsters is only average.

• Man Coverage: He can be exploited by twitchy TEs or RBs on wheel routes. He is much better suited for a "spot-drop" zone where he can keep eyes on the QB.

• Level of Competition: While he excelled against Missouri, playing in the MAC leads to questions about how his Speed and Acceleration will translate against elite NFL athletes.

Scheme Fit: Ideal MIKE in a 4-3 base or a downhill ILB in a 3-4.

NFL Comparison: T.J. Edwards / Jack Campbell (Lite)

Scout’s Final Word & Projection

Intangibles: 20/20 | Physical Tools: 17/20 | Attributes: 18/20 | Athleticism: 15/20 | IQ: 20/20

Final Grade: 90/100

Red Murdock is the ultimate "football player's football player." He isn't the flashiest athlete in this class, and he won't blow anyone away with a 40-yard dash time, but his tape is undeniably elite. His Leadership and academic background suggest he will be a coach on the field. In an era of small, fast linebackers, Murdock provides the necessary bulk and "old-school" physicality to win in the trenches. He has the floor of a core special teams captain and the ceiling of a 10-year NFL starter.

Draft Projection: 3rd - 4th Round