Red Murdock

Draft Projection

Measurements

Athletic Testing

Strengths

• Attacks downhill with conviction and plays through contact at the point of attack - gap discipline stays consistent and he finishes tackles with force rather than arm-tackling.
• The forced fumble record represents legitimate skill, not statistical luck - actively works to strip the ball on every tackle attempt with proper technique and persistent hands.
• Reads his keys quickly and processes blocking schemes before they develop, positioning himself where the ball is going rather than chasing plays from behind.
• Sheds blockers with violent hands when offensive linemen try to wall him off - doesn't get stuck on blocks and can disengage to make plays at the second level.
• Tackles reliably in space using proper form instead of launching recklessly, wraps up ball carriers consistently even when they attempt to make him miss in open field.
• Functions effectively as a blitzer between the tackles when schemed properly, showing enough burst and power to pressure quarterbacks through manufactured gaps in protection.
• Motor runs hot throughout four quarters - pursues sideline to sideline even on plays flowing away from his alignment and shows up in tackle radius more than expected.
• Production over two years speaks clearly with consecutive 140-tackle seasons - not padding numbers but making impactful plays in critical situations that affect game outcomes.

Areas to Improve

• Coverage skills fall off a cliff against receiving backs on wheel routes or tight ends working vertically, just doesn't have the fluid hips or change-of-direction to stay connected.
• Sideline-to-sideline speed leaves you wanting more - gets there eventually but lacks that extra gear to run down ball carriers once they get outside the tackle box.
• Man coverage is asking him to do something he's not built for, struggles to mirror backs or match route-running tight ends when isolated without help over the top.
• Timed speed confirms what the tape shows at 4.7 in the forty - won't chase many people down from behind at the next level when they get a step.
• Pass rush technique needs refinement beyond just effort and power, doesn't have the counters or hand moves to consistently beat NFL-caliber linemen when he's coming on designed pressures.