Wednesday, January 7, 2026

2026 NFL Draft Prospect DE Keldric Faulk

Keldric Faulk:

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Articles:

Prediction: The Detroit Lions will walk out of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft with one of these 10 players (Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn:  Faulk is someone that we’ve been told the Lions like. You can understand why when you see the tape of him setting the edge in the run game. He’s very good at that. He brings pressure, but he didn’t get home very often last year. You have to hope he can get back on track with some one-on-one opportunities granted to him by the attention Aidan Hutchinson gets.) (4-22-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/prediction-the-detroit-lions-will-walk-out-of-the-first-round-of-the-2026-nfl-draft-with-one-of-these-10-players/

7 bust candidates in 2026 NFL Draft (Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn:  Shemar Stewart's career still has a long way to go, but after a rookie season dominated more by a contract dispute than anything he did on the field, he is a warning sign for pass-rushers who have all of the physical traits but didn't necessarily produce at the collegiate level.  Faulk produced more than Stewart did, to be clear. He posted seven sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2024, emerging as a first-round prospect with top-10 potential, but two sacks and five tackles for loss over 12 games in 2025 were disappointing marks that raise more questions than answers. Faulk impressed at the NFL Combine with a massive wingspan and strong performances on the field, coming in at a 9.10 Relative Athletic Score, but Stewart serves as a reminder that betting on physical traits without production is a significant risk that might not be worth taking in the first round.) (4-22-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-bust-candidates-ty-simpson-rueben-bain/1f03724c271eed24beef97bd

Where Ty Simpson gets drafted, teams who could shake up NFL Draft and more (3. Which highly regarded prospect is most likely to be overdrafted? Renner: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn. "My board says, Keldric Faulk. I see a nice run defender who could potentially push the pocket in time. I don't see a high-end pass-rusher ready to be developed that would warrant a 1st-round selection.") (4-21-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-roundtable-ty-simpson/

4 Biggest Boom-or-Bust Prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft (Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk’s impressive combination of size and athleticism is obvious, but he was never able to translate those high-end physical traits into consistent production in college. That’s not likely to keep him from being a first-round pick, and his upside could entice a team picking in the top 15 to bank on their ability to unlock that potential.  Faulk is a stout run defender with the versatility to attack from a wide range of different alignments, which should give him a solid floor as an early-down player in the NFL. But any team that spends a first-round pick on him will be hoping he can produce as a pass rusher in a way he was never able to at Auburn. If that doesn’t happen, that team could regret spending such a high pick on a solid run-stopper who was never able to push for double-digit sacks.) (4-21-26):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-prospets-boom-or-bust

2026 NFL Draft’s biggest first-round reaches revealed (3. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn Tigers - Projected pick: No. 20 overall to Dallas Cowboys.  6’5″, 276 lbs | 2025 stats: 29 tackles, 5 TFL, 2 sacks.  Keldric Faulk can squat 700 pounds and bench press 415. He is 20 years old, stands nearly six and a half feet tall, and has arms that measure over 34 inches. On paper, he reads like a defensive coordinator’s fever dream.  Then you watch the 2025 tape, and the fever breaks pretty quickly.  Two sacks. In a full season as a team captain in the SEC. For a player widely expected to push his way into the top 15. The explanations are legitimate. Auburn moved him around the defensive line more than in previous years, which disrupted his pass rush rhythm. But the production gap between his physical gifts and what actually showed up on Saturdays is impossible to ignore at this price range.  The Travon Walker comparison that keeps circulating around Faulk should actually give teams pause rather than comfort. Walker was also a “traits over production” selection, going first overall to Jacksonville in 2022, and the debate over whether that pick delivered on its promise still has not been fully settled four years later.  Faulk may well develop into the dominant force his measurements suggest. But buying that vision in the back half of the first round means paying a premium for a player who has yet to consistently prove he can get to the quarterback.) (4-21-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/2026-nfl-drafts-biggest-first-round-reaches-revealed/

6 NFL Draft prospects who are perfect fits for the Detroit Lions (Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn:  Now, if the Lions would prefer to pair Hutchinson with more of a power guy, I’m very positive on the potential of Auburn’s Keldric Faulk. The question teams are asking about the 6-foot-5⅞”, 276-pound Faulk is this: Are we getting the Keldric Faulk who put up nine sacks and 45 pressures in 2024, or the Keldric Faulk who had two sacks and 30 pressures in 2025?  I would argue that you’re getting the same player who, in 2024, was better-utilized as a multi-gap spinner who used his size and athleticism to work gaps to the quarterback. Faulk was more of a traditional edge-rusher in 2025, and while that worked well at times — he gave Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor all kinds of hell on several almost-sacks, for example — we should also remember that Proctor turned 20 last September 7, and he’s still putting things together.  So, at his best, maybe Faulk isn’t the best pure edge guy in a very deep class, but that will likely push him into the second round, and the splash tape is good enough to make you think that over time, he could be, and in the interim, he could be a real problem for opposing offenses as a guy who will line up everywhere and make protection calls more difficult than those offenses would prefer.) (4-21-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/161926/2026-nfl-draft-prospects-scheme-fits-monroe-freeling-ot-nadame-tucker-edge-keldric-faulk

TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects who make sense for Lions at 17 (2. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  At 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds with longer than 34-inch arms, Faulk has the kind of frame and athleticism the Lions like to deploy in their big end role opposite Aidan Hutchinson. He's terrific as an edge setter and anchor in the run game, posting an 85.5 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus last season. Just 21 years old, Faulk still has some development remaining as a pass rusher (10.0 career sacks at Auburn), but there's no teaching the size, athleticism and frame.) (4-21-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-10-prospects-detroit-lions-pick-17-freeling-faulk-mccoy

Top 10 players fans are mock drafting to the Lions (8. Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk — 2.7% of selections.  It’s a bit surprising to see Faulk so far down this list, as he’s an excellent schematic fit for Detroit and plays a big position of need. However, ESPN users clearly think he should go later in the draft, as 11% of mockers placed him to the Chargers (Pick 22), 14% to the Eagles (23), 16% to the Bears (25), and 19% to the Bills (26).) (4-20-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/162106/top-10-players-fans-mock-drafting-detroit-lions-1st-round

Lions 1st-round draft prospects: Rules of Thumb (Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn - Thumbs up: Faulk embodies everything the Lions have sought in the starting EDGE opposite Aidan Hutchinson for years–big, powerful, smart, passionate, positionally versatile “crush the can” rusher. He’s got high upside for a 20-year-old and a demonstrated high talent floor already. If Marcus Davenport and John Cominsky had a healthy baby together, it would be Faulk. Thumbs down: While his usage at Auburn did him few favors, Faulk has paltry sack numbers and lacks quick QB pressure production. He doesn’t appear twitchy or sudden enough to win consistently around the outside edge. Thumbs twiddling: Faulk’s draft slotting is all over the map, with credible final mock draft guesses anywhere from 8 to 28 overall.) (4-20-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/jeff-risdon/2026/04/19/lions-1st-round-draft-prospects-rules-of-thumb/

These Two Defensive Ends Should Be 'Very Appealing' to Detroit Lions (4-18-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/these-two-defensive-ends-very-appealing-detroit-lions-draft-2026


25 Best NFL Draft Fits For the Lions Ranked by Round and Impact (7. EDGE Keldric Faulk:  Faulk is a big-bodied EDGE at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds. He's crafty with his hand usage and is able to manage his leverage well. While he's not a traditional stand-up EDGE, he could serve the role of the big defensive end that the Lions have used Levi Onwuzurike in in years past.) (4-17-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/25-best-nfl-draft-fits-for-lions-ranked-by-round-impact-2026

2026 NFL Draft top defensive linemen (4. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  The former Auburn Tiger possesses the most position versatility out of anyone at the top of this class. He stands 6’6” and weighs over 270 pounds, which is a body type that can fit into multiple positions in multiple schemes. But Faulk is a jack-of-all-trades and master of none. He’s an above-average run defender and pass-rusher, but is not elite at either of them.) (4-16-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/2026-nfl-draft-top-defensive-linemen/

NFL draft prospects who could become biggest steals in 2026 (Keldric Faulk — EDGE, Auburn
Keldric Faulk — EDGE, Auburn:  Faulk’s physical tools immediately stand out, particularly his length and power at the point of attack. He flashes the ability to collapse pockets with a strong bull rush while also showing developing pass-rush counters. Though still refining his technique, his motor and disruptive presence suggest a high developmental ceiling. In a system that prioritizes edge rotation and growth, Faulk could evolve into a highly impactful defender relative to where he’s selected.) (4-16-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-draft-prospects-who-could-become-the-biggest-steals-in-2026/

This Round 1 is built for chaos: 10 bold predictions that could hit (4. Three under-the-radar edge rushers - R Mason Thomas - 2024-25: Combined for 22.0 TFL, 15.5 sacks.  This isn't me pushing an R Mason Thomas agenda -- I swear! Once edge rusher Keldric Faulk comes off the board, the class is up for grabs. The second tier of players all have their own questions (Akheem Mesidor's age and injury concerns, Cashius Howell's historically short arms), so we could see a wave of lesser-known prospects sneak into Round 1 and shake up the EDGE board.) (4-15-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-bold-predictions-round-1/


Albert Breer’s Mailbag: What Trade Compensation for A.J. Brown Would Look Like (Then, you have a group of guys that includes Missouri’s Zion Young, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas and Clemson’s T.J. Parker.  In that last group, I think it comes down to what exactly you’re looking for. Howell and Thomas are smaller rushers that bring a lot of juice off the edge, but there’s some concern on how they’ll project in your base defense and hold up against the run. Then, you have Faulk and Young, who are bigger, longer, sturdier base ends, who don’t have that same sort of pass-rush value, needing more development in that area. Parker’s closer to a combination of the two, but had a disappointing season in 2025 after a big ’24.) (4-15-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/aj-brown-trade-compensation-albert-breer-mailbag

Ranking the 10 best edge rushers in 2026 NFL Draft (5. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-6, 276 pounds):  Faulk's massive frame suggests he would be a powerful run stopper with size and strength. He is definitely that and translates that power into pass-rush pop. Draft projection: Mid-to-late first round) (4-15-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2026-prospects-edge-rusher-rankings/a12cde571d83ab9dcca568ee

2026 NFL Draft Defensive End Rankings Featuring Rueben Bain Jr. & Zion Young (DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn (6’6” and 275 lbs.):  Faulk appears to be the top defensive end prospect for 3-4 alignments. He made 32 starts over the past three seasons at Auburn, leading to 73 tackles, 36 assists, and 10 sacks. At age 20, his power and size have yet to reach their peak, suggesting a higher ceiling player. Faulk should naturally add more punch to his attack, which already has edges in physical attributes and his foundation skill set. The depth of his pass rush needs another club to help combat his shortfall in beating defenders on the outside with speed and quickness.) (4-15-26):  https://www.si.com/onsi/fantasy/rankings/2026-nfl-draft-defensive-end-rankings-featuring-rueben-bain-jr-zion-young

Eight Prospects Who Will Be Steals in the 2026 NFL Draft (Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn:  I was told by an NFL defensive coach that Faulk and Ohio State’s Arvell Reese have the most upside among the edge rushers in this year’s class.  Reese will likely be a top-10 pick, but it’s not easy to tell where Faulk will land due to his boom-or-bust potential. He’s going to be a steal for someone if he drops to the bottom of the first round. Don’t be surprised if a team becomes enamored with his enticing physical traits at 6'6" and 274 pounds. Flick is high on Faulk and listed him at No. 18 in his rankings. Faulk didn’t have the kind of production in college that you would expect from a first-round talent, but don’t let the two sacks last season fool you: He showed plenty of high upside while at Auburn.) (4-14-26): https://www.si.com/nfl/nfl-draft-prospects-steals-2026

Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft rumor and Intel roundup: What we’ve heard, who ‘they love’, who they’ve met with, and more (What we’ve heard about the Lions - At this point, the Lions have been exceptionally quiet when it comes to what they’re doing in terms of basically everything, but AtoZ Sports knows the Lions like Auburn’s Kedric Faulk. This is something that makes a lot of sense when you look at how good Faulk is against the run. There are some concerns about his pass-rush ability. He was great in 2024, but not so good in 2025. We did a profile on him here.  It’s worth noting that liking a player or, in a later example we have here, loving a player, doesn’t mean that’s 100% the pick. But it’s worth talking about.ESPN’s Matt Miller dropped draft Intel on all 32 teams last week, and here’s what he had to say for the Lions:  “The release of Taylor Decker prompted many to assume Detroit would go offensive tackle in Round 1, but like Eric (Lions beat writer Eric Woodyard), I’ve heard the Lions are equally high on filling their edge rusher need. With only two picks in the top 117, the Lions should be expected to go tackle and edge rusher with those selections.”  That makes a lot of sense with what we’ve all been assuming, and it makes sense on the Faulk front and the Procotor front.) (4-13-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-2026-nfl-draft-rumor-and-intel-roundup-what-weve-heard-who-they-love-who-theyve-met-with-and-more/

2026 NFL Draft Mailbag: Which rising stocks are legit, trade up candidates, the cornerback you’re probably not high enough on and more (Who have been the most extensive film watches of 2026 draft cycle?
Great question. I would probably say Keldric Faulk (DL, Auburn). I do genuinely like Faulk as a prospect but have spent a lot of time reconciling his warts and the incomplete elements of his game. Any team that drafts him in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft should rest easy knowing there’s a ticket for snaps early against the run. But there’s an intersection where the risk of him not progressing as a pass rusher outweighs the potential reward and the run defense. That’s up for each team to decide for themselves, though.) (4-12-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2026-nfl-draft-mailbag-which-rising-stocks-are-legit-trade-up-candidates-the-cornerback-youre-probably-not-high-enough-on-and-more/

Ranking the Top Edge Rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft: David Bailey Stands Out (4. Keldric Faulk, Auburn: Don’t sleep on Faulk’s enticing physical traits. He has the kind of upside that rivals Reese and Bailey. But many teams might view him as a boom-or-bust pick, which could drop him out of the first round. And it doesn’t help that the 6'6", 274-pound Faulk had subpar 2025 numbers compared to the other top edge rushers, recording only two sacks in his final season with the Tigers.) (4-10-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/ranking-top-edge-rushers-2026-nfl-draft-david-bailey

Ranking the top 10 edge rushers in the 2026 NFL Draft (4. Keldrick Faulk, Auburn, 6-6, 276.  Disappointing two-sack season included a lot of “shoulda beens.” Best suited as 4-3 defensive end, but can slide inside on passing downs and create knockback. More of a student of the art than toolsy athlete. Chases the ball. Helped pay walk-on teammate’s tuition.) (4-10-26):  https://nypost.com/2026/04/10/sports/ranking-the-top-10-edge-rushers-in-the-2026-nfl-draft/

Top 3 players the Lions should NOT draft in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, some of these guys are not ready for the NFL (Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn - Here’s the thing: Faulk is actually right up the Lions’ alley in terms of what he brings to the table. He’s a very good run-stopping edge. The Lions love that. But he is really hit or miss in the pass rush game. For a team that needs that, taking Faulk at 17 is basically just grabbing a slightly better version of D.J. Wonnum and a healthier version of Marcus Davenport.  Now, if Fualk were to maybe fall to the second round, then I would say go all in on him. 17th is just too high. Take The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s words from the Beast into account.) (4-9-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/top-3-players-the-lions-should-not-draft-in-the-first-round-of-the-2026-nfl-draft-some-of-these-guys-are-not-ready-for-the-nfl/

2026 NFL Draft preview: 5 edge rushers that could interest Lions (5. Keldric Faulk, Auburn - 6-6, 276. 4.67 seconds 40-yard dash (1.68 10-yard split) – Pro Day.  Faulk has an NFL frame and played up and down Auburn's defensive front. He's just 20 years old with a very high ceiling. He comes to the league with a nice toolbox of pass rush moves and is strong against the run.) (4-19-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-preview-5-edge-rushers-detroit-lions-bain-mesidor-parker

The Lions Should Draft This Guy: Auburn’s Keldric Faulk fits, but maybe not how Lions fans would hope (4-7-26):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-should-draft-this-guy-auburns-keldric-faulk-fits-but-maybe-not-how-lions-fans-would-hope/

8 options for Detroit Lions’ 17th overall pick in the POD mock (EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Stylistically, Faulk is a pretty neat fit in what the Lions want in a three-down defender opposite Aidan Hutchinson. He’s big (6-foot-6, 276), long, and plays an extremely physical style of ball. The sack production fell off in 2025, going from 7.0 sacks to just 2.0, but he often slid inside at Auburn, showing off the kind of versatility the Lions will actually like. Plus, he’s only 20 years old and a very good run defender.) (4-7-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/161278/nfl-mock-draft-8-options-for-detroit-lions-17th-overall-pick

What does the SackSEER model say about the top edge rushers in the 2026 NFL draft? (Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  SackSEER projection: 23.5 sacks through Year 5.  Scouts Inc. ranking: 24.  Similar historical prospects: Preston Smith, Everson Griffen.  Faulk is the heaviest edge rusher in this year's class at 278 pounds. A 35-inch vertical is impressive for a player carrying his weight, as was the 4.67-second 40 he ran at his pro day.  Faulk turns 21 in September, so he is coming to the league young. He played all three of his collegiate seasons at Auburn, where he had 10 career sacks and started in his sophomore and junior seasons.) (4-5-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48359548/2026-nfl-draft-edge-rusher-projections-rankings-historical-comps-prospects

NFL analyst has 3 ‘can’t miss’ 2026 NFL Draft prospects (Keldric Faulk:  Fehoko identified Faulk as the top run defender among EDGE players in the 2026 draft. He also pointed to Faulk’s significant untapped potential as a major factor in his evaluation.  Faulk offers valuable versatility along the line of scrimmage and has steadily improved as a pass rusher. With continued development, he could become a highly impactful player at the next level.  While Fehoko sees similarities between Faulk and Bailey, he views Faulk as the more raw prospect. With strong coaching, however, Faulk has the tools to become a home-run pick in the NFL.) (4-5-26):  https://www.thebiglead.com/nfl-analyst-has-3-cant-miss-2026-nfl-draft-prospects/

2026 NFL Draft edge rankings: Rueben Bain Jr., David Bailey headline class with plenty of good (if not great) prospects (3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk is a smooth athlete who can bend and knife inside on stunts and really disrupt run games. He has developed a much better pass rush plan this season and with vastly improved hand usage. He is built like a traditional 4-3 defensive end, but Faulk aligns across the defensive line for Auburn and can be used as an inside pass rusher and even as a two-gapper in a three-down front. Faulk isn’t strictly a flashy player against the pass. He is willing to scrap against the run and will meet pullers at the point of attack and absolutely dominates tight ends in the run game. His fluidity, length and hard-working style has all the makings of a disruptive edge. Faulk still has room for improvement, but he’s young and has already shown the ability to take over games, but not quite consistently. Even if it doesn’t always show up in the box score, Faulk is already a strong run defender who will translate to the next level. Even if he becomes just an average pass rusher, that’s a good defender to have on your team. — Nate Tice) (3-31-26):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/article/2026-nfl-draft-edge-rankings-rueben-bain-jr-david-bailey-headline-class-with-plenty-of-good-if-not-great-prospects-211443338.html

2026 NFL Draft EDGE Rankings: David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr. headline deep, talented class (9. Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk is a big, strong edge setter that is only 20 years old. His length helps him keep blockers at a distance, and his size gives him alignment versatility. He plays with his head up against the run and often controls when he wants to dislodge from a block to disrupt the ball carrier.  As a pass rusher, Faulk has yet to show he can consistently affect quarterbacks. His pass rush win rate of 11.5% from 2024-2025 is in the 39th percentile for edge rushers. There are flashes of powerful hands, but his lack of overall speed and agility might limit his ceiling in piling up sacks.  A defense looking for a jumbo-sized defensive end that could further tap into a power arsenal with the right coaching will value Faulk in the top-50.) (3-31-26):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-draft-edge-rankings-david-bailey-rueben-bain-jr-headline-deep-talented-class

2026 NFL Draft Stock Report (Up - Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn:  Sources say that Faulk was outstanding at the Auburn pro day. He was phenomenal in the timed drills and looked very good on the field. Faulk has a great skill set and excellent character. The Auburn scheme hurt his production last season, but Faulk could still go high as the mid-first round. He likely will go in the mid to late portion of the first round and should not last long if he somehow slips to the second round.) (3-31-26):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_30.php

2026 NFL draft: Latest buzz on Ty Simpson, Jeremiyah Love (Who isn't a consensus top-10 pick right now but could end up there by draft time?  Reid: Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn. He fits the exact archetype that teams covet near the top of the draft. At 6-foot-5, 276 pounds, Faulk's pass-rush production took a step back in 2025, but he's only 21 and one of the best run defenders in the class. When speaking to scouts, Greg Rousseau and Mykel Williams are two NFL comparisons for him. The Chiefs at No. 9 and the Bengals at No. 10 overall are two teams to watch here.  Reid's notes:  After Faulk didn't participate in the 40-yard dash at the combine, evaluators were eager to his true speed at Auburn's pro day Tuesday. Scouts that I talked to had him timed in the range of 4.67 to 4.69 seconds. He also completed 17 reps on the bench press and participated in positional drills.) (3-27-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/48311668/2026-nfl-draft-latest-buzz-rumors-news-mocks-sleepers-simpson-love

2026 NFL Draft: 9 buyer-beware prospects (EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk is blessed with a freakish build and potentially untapped athleticism. He’s also proven himself to be an excellent run defender, posting a near-elite 89.2 PFF run-defense grade over the past two seasons. That part of his game will never be in question, but there should be concerns about his ability to rush the passer at the next level.  Faulk’s immense size and play style are more suited for a classic 3-4 defensive end who plays directly over offensive tackles. Those fronts are used less often now than they were in prior decades. However, that alignment isn’t ideal for rushing the passer, and Faulk has yet to show he can do so at an elite level. He set a career high with a 72.5 PFF pass-rush grade in 2024 before ranking outside the top 200 qualified edge defenders with his 66.0 pass-rush grade in 2025.  Over the past two seasons, Faulk tallied 75 pressures — 37 of which were charted as either unblocked or clean-up pressures. That leaves his pass-rush win rate, 11.5%, in the range of 2025 first-rounders Mykel Williams and Shemar Stewart, both of whom carried pass-rush concerns heading into last year’s draft. Similar faults in Faulk’s game could see him fall out of the first round.) (3-25-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-buyer-beware-prospects

2026 NFL Draft Meet the Prospect: Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk (3-25-25):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-meet-the-prospect-auburn-edge-keldric-faulk

2026 NFL Draft Stock Report (Down - Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn:  Faulk has some team sources that really like him, but there are a number of others that are just lukewarm. The sources that like him talk about his skill set, potential, his 2024 tape, and his outstanding character. The lukewarm evaluators refer to his underwhelming 2025 tape. As a result, sources say they think Faulk could go in the 20-40 range next April.) (3/24/26):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_29.php

Best NFL Draft Fits for Keldric Faulk Before Auburn's Pro Day (3-24-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/best-nfl-draft-fits-for-keldric-faulk-before-auburn-s-pro-day

TWENTYMAN: 7 pro days to watch this week (5. Auburn, Tues., March 24 - Who to watch: Edge rusher Keldric Faulk looked smooth in on-field drills at the Combine but decided to wait and run his 40-yard dash at Auburn's pro day. How fast can the athletic 6-foot-6, 276-pound Faulk run?) (3-22-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-7-pro-days-to-watch-this-week-downs-simpson-rodriguez

David Bailey Has Pushed Keldric Faulk Down NFL Draft EDGE Rankings (3-12-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/david-bailey-has-pushed-keldric-faulk-down-nfl-draft-edge-rankings

What I learned at the NFL combine: Detroit Lions buzz and draft targets (If I had to pick a few names of players who could be fits for the Lions in the first round right now: Monroe Freeling (Georgia), Keldric Faulk (Auburn), Vega Ioane (Penn State), Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo), Dillon Thieneman (Oregon), Ahkeem Mesidor (Miami), Blake Miller (Clemson), Caleb Lomu (Utah) and Zion Young (Missouri). Subject to change, of course.  10. Curious about the edge class, I asked an NFC defensive coach to rank the following edge rushers: Mesidor, Young, Faulk, Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas and Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell. His order:  1. Faulk, 2. Young, 3. Howell, 4. Mesidor, 5. Thomas, 6. Parker.  11. The Lions are going to be all over Faulk. He’s their exact type: a big, long-armed pocket crusher with positional versatility, a desire to defend the run and off-the-charts character. He measured in at 6 feet 6, 276 pounds with 34 3/8-inch arms. A strong run defender with some pass-rush potential. Not even sure he makes it to 17, but if he does …  Now, there are concerns about his rush production, with just two sacks and a win rate of 11.6 percent in 2025. However, a couple of points worth mentioning: He won’t turn 21 until September. He recorded seven sacks as a 19-year-old in 2024, before being asked to move around the defensive line more. I dug into the snap-alignment numbers, which I think help explain some of the drop-off.  Faulk in 2025, per PFF: 333 outside, 160 over tackle, 48 B gap, 11 A gap.  It’s a unique snap alignment compared with other edges in the class. Faulk is selfless and did what was asked of him, but I do think this is important context.) (3-5-26):  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7083679/2026/03/05/lions-combine-analysis-needs/

Daily DLP: Post-Combine reset for top 5 Lions 1st round options (The three still standing at 17 - Why Keldrick Falk fits Detroit’s front.  Falk checks the size and power boxes as a crush the can edge who can also reduce inside. He is young and very athletic, even if not a classic twitch rusher. His floor arrives with elite run defense. His ceiling rises with inside-out flexibility. He can play a big end role, then kick to three-tech on passing downs. Detroit has mixed five-man fronts and odd looks, moving bodies to find matchups. Falk fits that menu. Post-combine, his range tightened. He could be gone by 17. Dallas is a possibility. Miami is a possibility. There is even outside buzz about Kansas City at nine. He remains a strong Lions match if he lasts.) (3-4-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/christopher/2026/03/04/daily-dlp-post-combine-reset-for-top-5-lions-1st-round-options/

How 2026 Combine Changed the Detroit Lions Draft Board (While David Bailey and Arvell Reese will both likely be off the board, some combination of Cashius Howell, Keldrick Faulk, Zion Young and Akheem Mesidor could be available.  Of that group, Young profiles as the closest fit to what Detroit has targeted in the past given his production as a run defender. Meanwhile, someone like Faulk or Mesidor could bring more immediate pass-rush production.) (3-1-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/how-2026-combine-changed-detroit-lions-draft-board

3 Best Fits for Auburn Tigers DL Keldric Faulk after Impressive NFL Combine (2-27-26):  https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/best-fits-auburn-tigers-dl-keldric-faulk-nfl-combine

2026 NFL Draft: Strengths, weaknesses for the top EDGE prospects (EDGE3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn - PFF Predictive Big Board Rank: 15.  Strengths:  Long, strong build for the NFL level.  Size-adjusted lateral and linear explosiveness is impressive.  Very stout run defender. Can even hold his own and shed double teams.  Plus short-yardage/goal-line defender.  Weaknesses:  Low career pass-rush win rate.  Second, thrid and fourth steps aren't as impressive/explosive as his first.  Becomes a build-up speed rusher.  Short strides despite a long build.  Could extend his steps to cover more ground as a rusher.  Consistently loses leverage battle when rushing from two-point stance) (2-27-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-strengths-weaknesses-top-edge-defender-prospects

2026 NFL Combine results: 5 winners from the edge rusher group (Keldric Faulk, Auburn (6-foot-6, 276):  Faulk didn’t participate in the measured testing at the Combine; instead, he elected to only participate in on-field drills.  Faulk’s length immediately stands out, as does his body control. He has a smooth, controlled lean that was best on display during the “hoop drill,” illustrating his pass-rushing bend. Not only did he snag the towels off the ground, but he gave them an extra half-second of showmanship, holding them up a tick longer than others, demonstrating his control. In other pass-rushing drills, he could look stiff at times and even had a bit of a hitch in his gate early in the process, but he has natural, translatable skills, including keeping his head up and eyes in the proper position, as well as a strong initial punch in bag drills. He also looked very natural dropping in LB drills, showing surprisingly soft hands.) (2-26-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-draft/158126/2026-nfl-combine-results-5-winners-from-the-edge-rusher-group

2026 NFL combine: Top draft prospects, best workouts, risers (How did other top prospects look on Day 1? Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn:  Though Faulk did not run the 40, he did the jumps and participated in on-field workouts. Faulk showed body control and balance during on-field work, especially when doing the "run the hoop" drill. That aligns with Faulk's tape, though he remains a player whom I've had a tough time evaluating. Faulk has check-the-box measurables at 6-foot-6, 276 pounds and was excellent in 2024 with seven sacks, but his tape this past season was less exhilarating. Faulk has versatility, is a ready-made run defender and one of the youngest prospects in the class -- along with A-plus character -- which will help him land in the first round. But he must be much more disruptive and consistent in the NFL. -- Yates) (2-26-26):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47978529/2026-nfl-combine-top-draft-prospects-workouts-risers-40-every-position

NFL combine workouts: Top DL/EDGE grades, plus other standouts (Keldric Faulk - Grade: B -- Faulk has a long, filled-out frame. He did not run the 40-yard dash but did participate in the vertical jump (35 inches) and broad jump (117 inches), as well as the on-field drills. Faulk is a little tighter in the lower body.) (2-26-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2026-dl-edge-grades-standouts/

NFL Draft Combine Rumor Mill: Lions Really Like Keldric Faulk (2-26-26):  https://walterfootball.com/lions-really-like-keldric-faulk.php

Biggest NFL Combine takeaways from Day 1 of draft workouts (Defensive Ends Back Peddle and React Drill - In a primarily coverage drill, Keldric Faulk impressed. Fluid hips when changing direction, in constant control and finished on the simulated interception. Defensive Ends Pass Rush Drill - Keldric Faulk impressed with the power of his hands and some bend. Once he gets up to speed, his power takes over. Defensive Ends Wave Drill - This is where the pass rush drills begin to look like they are being performed by pass rushers. The duration will be noticeably quicker and the moves and transitions should be much smoother. Keldric Faulk looked smooth but had some footing issues.) (2-26-26):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/nfl-combine-live-updates-highlights-day-1-draft-workouts/faf24a64a79f9b4dd56b488c

5 Prospects Who Should Crush the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine (Edge Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  There’s a theme developing here, and it’s players who just shouldn’t move as well as they do at the size that they are. Faulk fits firmly in that description, as a towering defender with rare athleticism for his size, and the versatility to line up all over the defensive front and create matchup problems for opposing offenses. The combine will give Faulk an opportunity to show off that athletic ability across a wide range of drills, and if he performs to the peak of his physical capabilities, he’s the kind of high-upside prospect (still just 20 years old) at a premium position who could leap into the top-10 conversation.) (2-26-26):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/nfl-combine-2026-nfl-draft-top-prospects

10 Most Intriguing EDGE Prospects at NFL Scouting Combine (3. Keldric Faulk (Auburn) - Faulk had just 2 sacks in 12 games this past season for Auburn, but NFL scouts and draft gurus like Kiper -- who projects him 19th overall to the Carolina Panthers -- see significant untapped potential in the 6-foot-5, 276-pound defensive end.  Faulk did have a career-high 7 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 2024, and his ideal measurements -- including the longest arms of any edge rusher at the combine (34 and 3/8 inches) -- have the full attention of NFL talent evaluators.  As we nitpick everyone else in the EDGE class, here is 20-year-old Keldric Faulk with extremely ideal measurements. Squatted 700 pounds per the Freak's List. https://t.co/JJHTyzQwjf — Hayden Winks (@HaydenWinks) February 26, 2026
Faulk may have more at stake this week in Indianapolis than most top prospects, though.) (2-26-26):  https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/10-most-intriguing-edge-prospects-at-nfl-scouting-combine-reese-height-faulk-tucker

2026 NFL Combine News And Notes: LB & EDGE (It was good to hear two of the top EDGEs in the class acknowledge their current weaknesses. Texas Tech's David Bailey noted that he has to improve against the run, while Auburn's Keldric Faulk said he wants to better his pass-rushing abilities. Film-watchers already know they need to do this, but it's refreshing to see first-rounders not shying away from owning up to their flaws. Also, just off the eye test, Bailey is going to have eye-popping measureables.) (2-25-26):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/02/25/2026-nfl-combine-news-lb-edge

Lions could look to talented & deep draft class for EDGE help ("I can play all across the D-line," Faulk (6-6, 285) said Wednesday of what he thinks sets him apart from the other edge rushers in the class. "That's really what I did at Auburn. I prepared myself, as well as help from the coaches, to be able to play all four positions across the line. That's really what I think separates me.  "I'm a high motor defensive lineman. You're going to see everything be aggressive as far as the pass rush and the run game. In the run game, you're going to see blocks being shed and you're going to see a lot of TFL's (tackles for loss).") (2-25-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-could-look-to-talented-deep-draft-class-for-edge-help

NFL Combine: 4 high-character defensive linemen for Lions fans to know (Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk
Size: 6-foot-6, 285 pounds - Quick bio: Two-year starter at Auburn, Faulk played up and down the defensive line. Was a captain in 2025, but saw his production significant dip in sacks (7.0 in 2024, just 2.0 in 2025). But he plays with violence, which could be a good fit in Detroit. Faulk is also still just 20 years old, making him one of the youngest players in this year’s draft class. Current draft projection: Round 1-2.  Combine vibes:  The first thing that stuck out from Faulk’s media session was when he parroted a line we’ve heard for years under both Aaron Glenn and Kelvin Sheppard.  “That’s what we pride ourselves at Auburn. Since my freshman year, we always say we have to earn the right to rush the passer,” Faulk said. “That right came first and second down. We really had to pride ourselves in stopping the run, staying low, getting our hands right, and exploding out of our hips, and we do just that.”  I also appreciated Faulk’s honesty when it came to his lack of pass rush productivity in his final season in Auburn.  “I’m still working on it,” Faulk said. “A lot of my production came from the 5-tech. I still had a little bit of production down at the 3-tech and 2i, but most of my production came from the 5-tech. Whenever I step on the field, it’s more of me trying to get better. It’s not me trying to be the same. I never want to be the same player every year, and I want to continue to try and get better and continue to improve my game so I can improve the well-being of the team.”) (2-25-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/158053/nfl-combine-4-high-character-defensive-linemen-for-lions-fans-to-know

2026 NFL Draft EDGE Rankings: Big Board, Tiers & Predictions (4. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn:  Strength, length, and versatility will get Keldric Faulk on the field early. The 6-foot-6, 270-pound defensive lineman is an excellent run defender, but his pass-rushing plan needs serious improving. Faulk posted lackluster sack numbers, but the upside is undeniable for whoever is willing to develop his arsenal.) (2-25-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/rumors/2026-nfl-draft-edge-rankings-big-board-tiers-predictions

2026 NFL Draft: Top 50 Prospects at the Scouting Combine (12. Keldric Faulk, DL, Auburn:  If scouts were asked to draw up the ideal defensive lineman for today’s NFL, it might look a lot like the long-armed 6-foot-6, 285-pound ball of clay that is Faulk, whose size, strength and smooth athleticism offer great positional and schematic flexibility. As one of the youngest players in this class (he won’t turn 21 until September), Faulk is still growing into his frame and will need to get stronger to fulfill his potential, but he possesses the physical traits and intangibles to become one of the best players in this draft.) (2-23-26):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-top-50-prospects-scouting-combine

2026 NFL Draft: Pre-combine consensus ADP — top 20 players in the PFF Mock Draft Simulator (17. ED Keldrick Faulk, Auburn: Average draft position 18.4.  Faulk’s ADP has dropped from 15.1 to 18.4, as his pass-rush production has not matched expectations for a 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge defender. While he remains a stout run defender, he recorded just 30 total hurries in 2025. Faulk’s size and strength make him a strong candidate to rise with an impressive combine performance.) (3-23-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-top-20-players-adp-mock-draft-simulator

2026 NFL Combine preview: 10 EDGE rushers the Lions should be scouting (In the hunt at No. 17. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn (6-foot-6, 275):  Faulk has an ideal NFL frame and possesses the height, weight, and length features the Lions prefer opposite Hutchinson. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft (won’t turn 21 until the regular season), and has incredibly high character; he’s often labeled as a “culture setter.”  In 2023-24, Faulk aligned all over Auburn’s front, from stand-up pass rusher down to the 3-technique, demonstrating the ability to work in both 1- and 2-gapping schemes. However, a 2025 switch to D.J. Durkin’s 3-3-5 sadled Faulk at the 5T and zapped his production. A move to a scheme like the Lions would allow Faulk to expand his impact.  An impressive athlete overall, Faulk brings a speed-to-power attack, while leaning on his balance and understanding of how to leverage offensive linemen with length. He’s a fluid mover with power in his push, but also has finesse pass-rushing moves in his arsenal. He only has average burst off the line and lacks explosive traits, but he’s a hard worker who doesn’t quit on plays and uses his large tacking radius to make impact plays. He can be more aggressive early in reps and can get too high at times, but more often than not, he settles and sets a firm edge.  Overall, Faulk is a high-floor, high-ceiling player whose game is similar to that of Carlos Dunlap.) (2-23-26):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-analysis/156890/2026-nfl-combine-preview-10-edge-rushers-the-lions-should-be-scouting

The 5 most-likely Lions 1st-round picks entering the Combine (Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn:  We’ve talked a lot about Faulk on the Daily DLP and elsewhere, but it’s impossible to stress just how optimally the big 20-year-old checks every box the Lions mandate from their defensive ends. His 6-6, 280-ish pound frame with long, powerful arms and power-to-speed pass rush style are exactly what the Lions loved in oft-injured Marcus Davenport. Faulk is young and healthy, and he plays the run exceptionally well already. His football IQ and off-field character are off-the-charts good.  Faulk can line up anywhere on the Lions’ defensive line from 3T to 7T, a la oft-injured Levi Onwuzurike. He’s got significantly more athletic upside than either Davenport (now) or Onwuzurike (ever). Ah yes, here comes the but…  Faulk bagged just 10 sacks in three years at Auburn, with seven of those coming in 2024. There is some context needed; he played much more of an attacking DE role in that year before a defensive scheme change in 2025 forced him into a more read/react interior presence. Even so, Faulk is not a dynamic or explosive attack dog. He’s not stiff or lacking athleticism, but those qualities are not (yet) how he makes his impact felt on the field. The potential is certainly there, but it has yet to develop for Faulk.) (2-23-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/jeff-risdon/2026/02/23/the-5-most-likely-lions-1st-round-picks-entering-the-combine/

Daily DLP: Top 5 Lions targets at 17 heading to the Combine (Keldrick Falk fits the Lions’ blueprint - Auburn edge Keldrick Falk leads the defensive options. He plays with power to speed and a crush-the-can style that pairs with Aidan Hutchinson. He is 20 years old. He owns exceptional football character. He was a team captain and a culture builder by reputation.  Production has not matched traits yet. Auburn used him as an end in a three man front last season, not a four man front. That put him in the b gap and exposed him to extra blockers from guards and tackles. His get-off is not twitchy, but he showed late-season growth shedding outside blocks and finishing. He has workable pass rush moves. Athletically, he compares favorably to Levi Onwuzurike.  If the Lions go defense at 17 and skip offensive tackle, Falk is the pick on this pre-combine board. He sits as No. 22 overall here, so it would be a slight reach. The combine could tighten that gap.) (2-20-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/christopher/2026/02/20/daily-dlp-top-5-lions-targets-at-17-heading-to-the-combine/

2026 NFL Draft: Top 5 prospects at each defensive position (Defensive tackle - 4. Keldrick Faulk:  Faulk is your edge-interior hybrid. His massive frame allows him to move seamlessly between both. At only 20 years old, he's much more of a project than the three players above him.) (2-19-26):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2026-combine-defensive-rankings-top-5-by-position/

2026 Combine preview: Edge rusher (Combine sleeper to watch: Keldric Faulk, Auburn, 6-6, 285.  Faulk could easily find his way into the top five at the position with a good Combine performance. He's got ideal length and came in at No. 9 on Bruce Feldman's 2025 Freaks List after squatting 700 pounds last offseason and bench pressing 415 pounds. The big question for teams is deciphering why the crazy athleticism and length didn't equate to more production (10.0 sacks in three seasons at Auburn).) (2-17-26):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2026-combine-preview-edge-rusher-reese-bailey-bain

Lions draft: An EDGE for every round  (First round: Keldric Faulk, Auburn - A near physical clone of pending free agent Marcus Davenport, except Faulk has a clean injury history. He’s played all over the line for Auburn and might be at his best on either side of the B-gap more than outside, a la Levi Onwuzurike or John Cominsky. In 3 seasons at Auburn, the 6-foot-6, 285-pound Faulk produced 110 tackles, 10 sacks, 6 PDs and 3 forced fumbles. Pros:  Straight from central casting as a “crush the can” DE.  Bruce Feldman athletic freak; squats 700 and benches 400Sports.  Excellent power-to-speed rusher.  Can strong-arm blockers.  Has multiple pass rush moves and can set up/sequence moves.  Experience aligning everywhere between 1T and 7T, even some OLB.  Only 20 years old.  Frequently praised for his leadership and culture-building persona, team captain.  Cons:  He’s not stiff, but there isn’t desired bend on the edge.  Lacks burst and can be heavy-footed off the snap.  Hand usage has improved but still needs development.  Inconsistent physicality in the run game.  Gets pushed too upright by OL who can get in his pads right away.  Sack productivity dropped way off from 2024 to 2025) (2-14-26):  https://www.detroitlionspodcast.com/jeff-risdon/2026/02/14/detroit-lions-2026-nfl-draft-edge-for-every-round/

Is Keldric Faulk Detroit Lions EDGE of Future? (2-13-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/is-keldric-faulk-detroit-lions-edge-of-future

10 boom-or-bust players in the 2026 NFL Draft (EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk is one of the best edge defenders against the run in this class, tallying an 89.2 PFF run-defense grade since 2024 that ranks fourth in the Power Four. There’s a bit more projection as a pass rusher, though.   His 11.6% pass-rush win rate this past season was just 150th among all edge defenders in the nation. Faulk was also 150th in 2024 with an 11.5% win rate. For a projected top-15 pick, you’d like a bit more polish as a pass rusher. Faulk is a bit like the Shemar Stewart of this draft class: the tools and run defense are fantastic, but there’s not a lot of pass-rush production to bank on.) (2-13-26):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-10-boom-or-bust-players-in-the-2026-nfl-draft

2026 NFL Combine: Prospects to Watch at Every Position (Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Auburn's Keldric Faulk is an athletic specimen who hasn't always met expectations. The 6-6, 285-pound Faulk squatted 700 pounds heading into his junior campaign. Plenty of scouts have top-15 grades that could be solidified via an impressive combine performance.) (2-12-26):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2026/02/12/nfl-combine-2026-prospects-to-watch


2026 NFL Draft prospects: Top 10 players on defense (1. Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  These three are the biggest locks for the first round for different reasons. Faulk's size at 6-foot-6 and 285 gives him inside-out versatility with physicality and plenty of time to develop because he's one of the youngest players in the draft.) (1-30-26):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2026/01/30/2026-nfl-draft-top-10-rankings-defense/88403594007/

6 burning draft questions: QBs to know? Next star TE? (6) Which prospect has the most raw potential?  Teams looking for a developmental prospect with All-Pro traits should pay close attention to Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk throughout the pre-draft process. The 6-6, 285-pounder is a run-stopping machine with the explosive strength and power that evaluators covet in edge defenders. Although his raw pass-rushing skills and sub-par production will lead some coaches to pause, it is hard to find a high-motor athlete with the tools to dominate the game as a run stuffer with pass-rush potential.) (1-31-26):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-burning-questions-qbs-in-class-to-know-beyond-fernando-mendoza-deepest-position

2026 NFL Draft: PFSN’s Consensus Top 10 Edge Rushers Include Rueben Bain Jr., Arvell Reese (4. Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Going into the 2025 season, Keldric Faulk was seen as a potential top defensive prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. He had 7 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss as a true sophomore in 2024, and while his pass-rushing production dipped as a junior, he still served as a dominant run defender for Auburn’s defensive line.  Listed at 6’6″ and 285 pounds, Faulk is a gigantic edge rusher with top-notch size and length, as well as a well-built frame that carries his weight well. He uses his length efficiently in the run game, as he’s able to keep offensive linemen at bay with his longer arms, powerful anchor, and accurate strikes at the point of attack. His flexibility doesn’t jump off the screen, but his size-adjusted athleticism is pretty good.) (1-8-26):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-draft-pfsn-consensus-top-edge-rushers/

Early Lions 2026 Mock Draft Big Board (Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk doesn't have the eye-popping production from his time in Auburn, but has the ability and traits to be an intriguing addition for the Lions. He's not the twitchiest defender, but profiles as a stout run defender with 19.5 tackles for loss over his three seasons for the Tigers.  The defender has the ability to shed blockers, and is adept at getting off of pullers against the run. Detroit appears to be interested in finding a strong run defender with the ability to crush the pocket with a physical pass-rush, and Faulk appears to fit that profile.) (1-6-26):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/early-lions-2026-mock-draft-big-board


Top 10 edge rushers in college football (5. Keldric Faulk – Auburn (93 OVR):  Keldric Faulk possesses the size and leverage to collapse pockets and control gaps in the run game. His improvement in technique has positioned him as a key pass-rushing presence for Auburn. Faulk’s length allows him to disrupt throwing lanes even when he does not reach the quarterback. Expectations are high for him to take another step forward as a complete defensive lineman.) (12-28-25):  https://www.thebiglead.com/top-10-edge-rushers-in-college-football-v/

Top 100 NFL Draft Prospect Big Board: Bowl Games Highlight Dante Moore, Ty Simpson, and Others (10. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn) (12-13-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-100-nfl-draft-prospects-bowl-games-2025/


2026 NFL Draft Defensive Line Rankings: Auburn’s Keldric Faulk & Clemson’s Peter Woods Lead the Pack (Keldric Faulk/DE/Auburn: Faulk was graded by NFL scouts as one of the top next-level prospects entering the season, regardless of position, despite being an underclassman. And while he played up to that billing at times in 2025, the 20-year-old was not as consistently dominant as scouts expected. He’s a big-bodied defensive end who possesses a great combination of athleticism, quickness, and strength.  He displays himself as a devastating pass rusher with the movement skills necessary to pursue the action laterally, then make plays in space. Faulk, who is much more than just the edge rusher many have pigeonhole him to be, comes with tremendous upside and the body type necessary to line up in a variety of defensive schemes.) (12-9-25):  https://www.essentiallysports.com/nfl-active-news-flagship-2026-nfl-draft-defensive-line-rankings-auburns-keldric-faulk-clemsons-peter-woods-lead-the-pack/

Updated 2026 NFL Draft big board for the end of the CFB regular season (8. Keldric Faulk EDGE Auburn) (12-2-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/02/2026-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-big-board-update/87554292007/

2026 NFL draft questions: Top prospects, QB class, risers (Which top-tier edge rushers will be the most interesting evaluations over the next few months?  Kiper: I'll cheat and say two names because they have similar reasoning. Clemson's T.J. Parker and Auburn's Keldric Faulk have all the traits in the world and have shown they can get to the QB. Parker had 11 sacks in 2024 and shows speed-to-power. Faulk had seven sacks in 2024 and wins with inside and outside moves. But neither has produced much in 2025.  Faulk is stuck at two sacks through 12 games, and Parker needed a three-sack performance against South Carolina on Saturday to get to five on the season. Their evaluations are going to remind folks of Shemar Stewart in the leadup to this year's draft -- great skill set, questionable production. Faulk is still in my top 25 right now, but Parker has fallen out.) (12-1-25):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/47097046/2026-nfl-draft-questions-top-prospects-qb-class-risers

PFF 2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Edge defenders (3.  Keldric Faulk, Auburn Tigers - Big board rank: 10.  Faulk brings ideal length and strength to the defensive end position. His wingspan seems to match his listed height, which would be well above average for the pros. He does his best work as a 4i or 5-tech defensive end, where he can start with his shoulder down in a 3-point stance. He utilizes a long arm and push-pull moves to win with strength, though his win percentage has been relatively low. He is a plus defender in short-yardage and goal-line situations.) (12-1-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-edge-defenders

How Auburn's Keldric Faulk Matches Up with Alabama's Kadyn Proctor (11-29-25):  https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/how-auburn-s-keldric-faulk-matches-up-with-alabama-s-kadyn-proctor-01kb8mw85tew


Will Keldric Faulk play against Alabama? DJ Durkin provides injury update (11-24-25):  https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/11/will-keldric-faulk-play-against-alabama-dj-durkin-provides-injury-update.html


2026 NFL Draft – Stock Report (Down - Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn:  Faulk has not played poorly this season, but he has not been as dominant as expected. He has two sacks on the season, but has seen extra blocking attention. Faulk is still a first-round prospect and a future pro starter, but he has not had a season of domination to make him a top-five pick.) (11/18/25):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026stock_12.php

Breaking down Dane Brugler's latest Top 50 NFL Draft prospects list (Auburn’s Faulk Tops Competitive EDGE Stack:  Keldric Faulk beats out Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. in Brugler’s list. These two have seemingly gone back and forth with who is EDGE1 this season. Faulk has the measurables that NFL decision-makers salivate over, while Bain is a complete DE who will contribute on all three downs.) (11-12-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/11/12/2026-nfl-draft-top-50-prospect-list-analysis-breakdown/87235506007/

2026 NFL Draft: Midseason prospect big board top 50 (13. Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn) (11-10-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/12/02/2026-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-big-board-update/87554292007/

Keldric Faulk NFL Draft Profile: Week 11 Scouting Report for the Auburn EDGE (11-8-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/keldric-faulk-nfl-draft-week-11-2025/

5 CFB Players Who Can Raise NFL Draft Stock: 11/8 (Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn:  Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk has been outperformed this season by fellow pass-rushing prospects Rueben Bain Jr. and Arvell Reese. Faulk entered the campaign as a potential top-five pick. While the traits remain incredibly exciting, the production hasn't matched in 2025.  Faulk hasn't registered a sack since September. The Tigers are a mess and they enter Saturday's contest versus Vanderbilt as touchdown underdogs. Faulk needs to help an underperforming defense limit Diego Pavia and Vanderbilt's high-flying offense.) (11-7-25):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/2025/11/07/cfb-players-raise-nfl-draft-stock-nov-8

How captain Keldric Faulk is leading Auburn post Hugh Freeze era: ‘We’re here to compete’ (11-5-25):  https://www.al.com/auburnfootball/2025/11/how-captain-keldric-faulk-is-leading-auburn-post-hugh-freeze-were-still-here-to-compete.html

Keldric Faulk NFL Draft Profile: Week 10 Scouting Report for the Auburn EDGE (11-1-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/keldric-faulk-nfl-draft-week-10-2025/

Keldric Faulk NFL Draft Profile: Week 9 Scouting Report for the Auburn EDGE (10-25-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/keldric-faulk-nfl-draft-week-9-2025/

2026 NFL Draft: Midseason EDGE prospect rankings (2. Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  The upside with Faulk is off the charts, given his size (6’6”, 285lbs) and athleticism combination. It’s rare that a DE prospect with those measurables comes along, and Faulk has backed it up with his production. He’s a very fluid athlete who can win with speed and quickness in both phases, but lacks consistent power. Faulk is full of developable traits that NFL teams will love.) (10-23-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/10/23/2026-nfl-draft-midseason-edge-prospect-rankings/86843608007/

2026 NFL Draft: Ranking the 10 Best Defensive Players in Next Year's Class (2. Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn, 6-6, 285, junior.  The aforementioned Bain is currently the more polished player, but the NFL is often willing to gamble on upside, and Faulk’s exciting combination of length, burst and underrated strength suggest that he is just scratching the surface of his potential. Like Bain, Faulk is currently struggling to live up to last year’s production, registering just 17 tackles, including four for loss and two sacks through seven games after generating an impressive 45-11-7 stat line as a sophomore. Again, however, these numbers don’t fully encapsulate Faulk’s ability to disrupt an offense, as he frequently draws extra blockers and, like Bain, is quite effective against the run, as well as the pass. He is equally effective with his hand in the dirt or playing out of the two-point stance, consistently crossing the face of tackles with his speed rush alone. He is a more powerful defender than his lanky frame suggests, showing the ability to bull rush opponents into the backfield or latch onto ballcarriers for drag-down tackles. With some refining, it is easy to envision Faulk developing into a 10-plus sack threat in the NFL, following a similar career arc as longtime Vikings and current Texans standout Danielle Hunter.) (10-23-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-ranking-10-best-defensive-players-next-years-class

8 college players the Detroit Lions scouted during Week 8 of the NCAA season, including a hidden gem (Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn:  Faulk is a guy who could be tremendous opposite Aidan Hutchinson. He’s someone who attracts a lot of attention and opens up one-on-one opportunities elsewhere on the line. That could make a big difference for Detroit’s already pretty good defensive line.) (10-20-25):  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/8-college-players-the-detroit-lions-scouted-ohio-state-usc-jayden-maiava-notre-dame-wisconsin-utah-spencer-fano-byu-missouri-auburn-connor-lew/

2026 NFL Draft: Top 10 Senior Bowl prospects at midway point of college football season (10. Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn (6-6, 285)*:  Faulk has the full set of tools to be an excellent edge defender at the next level. He is a linear runner with the speed to chase down rushers from the back side, but also flashes the bend to win the corner and the short-area quickness to make plays in tight spaces. Faulk is comfortable playing with his hand down or standing up. His size, length and strength come in handy when taking on tackles in the run game or moving inside in obvious pass-rush situations.) (10-17-25):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-top-10-senior-bowl-prospects-at-midway-point-of-college-football-season

How Keldric Faulk Impact Goes Beyond the Numbers (10-15-25):  https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/how-keldric-faulk-impact-goes-beyond-numbers

3 Auburn players Georgia football should be worried about (Defensive end Keldric Faulk:  Keldric Faulk is another first-team All-SEC player the Tigers have. Faulk has 10 tackles, two sacks and three pass deflections this season. He has a lot of NFL potential and should be even more disruptive this week since Georgia is playing on the road and has offensive line injuries. "Two edge rushers that are probably their premiere players on defense, they both can cause havoc, can wreck a game plan, get off the ball, rush the passer, they do a good job changing up their looks, so it's not like oh just let them sit here and rush," Georgia coach Kirby Smart said on Auburn's edge position.) (10-9-25):  https://ugawire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/bulldogs/football/2025/10/09/auburn-tigers-players-watch-against-georgia-bulldogs-football/86584428007/

2026 NFL Draft Rankings: Edge Defender (2. Keldric Faulk) (10-9-25):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-edge-defender-rueben-bain-jr-keldric-faulk-tj-parker

Stock up, stock down for top 25 NFL Draft prospects: Rueben Bain Jr. soaring, Arch Manning needs time (4. Auburn DE Keldric Faulk - Stock: Slightly down.  New range: Top 15.  Faulk is still more potential than polish at this point. He is the type of player I was referencing in the lede to this story. Faulk's raw tools at 6-6, 275 pounds jumped off the tape as a sophomore, but now watching his junior tape without any additions to his pass-rushing toolbox and the shine starts to wear off. He still has a good chance to go top 10, but he's been passed up by others.) (9-30-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/stock-up-stock-down-for-top-25-nfl-draft-prospects-rueben-bain-jr-soaring-arch-manning-needs-time/

QB Transfer Among Five Prospects Who Improved Their 2026 NFL Draft Stock in Week 4 (Keldric Faulk, edge, Auburn:  Faulk, the No. 2 edge rusher on Sports Illustrated’s summer big board, doesn’t have incredibly gaudy numbers—he’s registered two sacks and three tackles for loss—but he’s been disruptive and productive against Power 4 opponents. The 6' 6", 285-pound Faulk, who had three pressures and a sack against Baylor in Week 1, wreaked havoc against Oklahoma on Saturday, collecting seven total pressures and one sack. Faulk is long, athletic and has considerable upside, which puts him in the mix as a potential top-20 pick next spring.) (9-23-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/qb-transfer-among-five-prospects-who-improved-their-2026-nfl-draft-stock

2026 NFL Draft: College Game Recaps – Week 4 (Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk looks like a future top-16 pick and he was very good against Oklahoma. In the second quarter, Faulk worked off a block and chased Mateer out of the pocket to force a throwaway. Faulk was lining up at a variety of places, including a couple of impressive rushers coming from the inside with an effective spin move to work through the left guard. In the final seconds of the first half, Faulk worked off the right side and chased down Meteer for a sack when he climbed the pocket. Midway through the third quarter, Faulk pushed through the left tackle to get a tackle for a loss on an attempted perimeter run.  As a run defender, Faulk is special, and he is a real force at the point of attack. Faulk is very strong and has no problem holding his ground against downhill runs. He sets the edge and shows impressive power to shed his block and get in on tackles.  In the pass rush, Faulk is a developing player, but he is rising and improving at a rapid rate. Faulk is tall, long, and plays with good extension to keep tackles from getting into his chest and getting a hold of him. Faulk can rush with power and knock blockers backward while bulling them towards the quarterback. While Faulk is not a freak speed rusher like Von Miller, Faulk has speed to get upfield and shows an impressive burst to close. When Faulk gets free, he eats up ground in a hurry to finish the rush. Faulk can rush from end or tackle and shows versatility with where he can line up.  Sources also say that Faulk is a great kid and a high-character individual with an excellent work ethic. Faulk looks like a top-16 talent for the 2026 NFL Draft.) (9-21-25):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2026recap_04.php

2026 NFL Draft Risers and Fallers: Carson Beck Climbs, While Arch Manning Slides (Risers - Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk:  Keldric Faulk hasn’t been as productive as expected for a projected early first-round prospect, but for some players, you have to go past the stat sheet and to the tape. Faulk’s most notable film thus far – his game against Baylor in Week 1 – was full of “dirty work” plays where Faulk obliterated blocking looks and helped his teammates make plays.  Standing around 6’6”, 285 pounds, Faulk has the explosiveness and power profile to take reps inside or outside. But not only that, he has the leverage IQ and hand engagement to dominate blocks in the run game. From an archetypal standpoint, he’s not dissimilar to 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams as an elite run defender with pass-rush upside, but Faulk arguably has more twitch and bend to mold.) (9-20-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2026-nfl-draft-risers-fallers-carson-beck-arch-manning/

2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting: Edge Rusher Overview (Keldric Faulk, Auburn - Strengths:  Long and strong build for the NFL level.  Lateral and linear explosiveness is adequate for the pros.  Very stout run defender as an underclassman (90th percentile run stop percentage).  Plus short-yardage/goal-line defender.  Weaknesses:  Low pass-rush win percentage as an underclassman (9.2% average in 2023/24).  Short strides despite long build; could extend his steps to cover more ground as a rusher.  Consistently loses leverage battle when rushing from 2-point stance.  Scouting Summary:  Faulk brings ideal length and strength to the defensive end position. His wingspan seems to match his listed height, which would be well-above-average for the pros. He does his best work as a 4i or 5-tech defensive end, where he can start with his shoulder down in a 3-point stance. He utilizes a long arm and push-pull moves to win with strength, though his win percentage has been relatively low. He is a plus defender in short-yardage and goal-line situations.) (9-16-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/2026-nfl-draft-summer-scouting-edge-rusher-overview

Insider notes on Auburn: Draft grades for top prospects ft. Eric Singleton Jr., Keldrick Faulk, and more (Keldric Faulk is a dominant front-seven prospect and someone who will be branded as an impact defensive player. Despite having solid talent around him, Faulk is a one-man show who impacts games standing over tackle and out of a three-point stance.  He’s quick, fast and very athletic. Faulk blows through double-team blocks on the inside to penetrate the line of scrimmage and rushes the edge with great speed to blow up plays. Yet he also shows ability in pursuit, makes plays in space and drops into coverage. He is very much an Abdul Carter-type of prospect.) (9-4-25):  https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-insider-notes-auburn-draft-grades-top-prospects-ft-eric-singleton-jr-keldrick-faulk

Unveiling the 2026 NFL Draft All-Prospect team (Second Team - Keldric Faulk:  Keldric Faulk had a 15.6% pressure rate last season, according to TruMedia. The Alabama native has a filled-out frame at 6-foot-6 and 285 pounds. He recorded seven sacks and one forced fumble a year ago.) (8-29-25):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2026-nfl-draft-all-prospect-team-nfl-stars-of-tomorrow-take-the-field-as-college-football-season-kicks-off/


PFSN’s Top 100 College Football Players for 2025: Can Anyone Stop Ohio State Sensation Jeremiah Smith? (43. Keldric Faulk | EDGE Auburn Tigers:  A 2023 true freshman for Hugh Freeze’s Auburn Tigers, Keldric Faulk immediately established himself as an impact player in the SEC, logging 35 tackles with four tackles for loss and a sack in his debut. Last season, he continued to develop into one of the most feared defenders in the country, producing 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and his first career forced fumble.  As such, Faulk enters the 2025 campaign among the top 100 college football players in the nation. At just 19, he’s already a technically refined pass rusher with a loaded toolbox to weaponize his natural athleticism and power. If he does a better job converting pressure (13.9% conversion) into splash plays (just one in 2024), he could reach All-America status.) (8-20-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/college-football-top-100-players-2025/

Three Auburn Tigers named to Bruce Feldman's 'Top 101 Freaks List' (A trio of Auburn Tigers have landed on college football insider Bruce Feldman's 'Top 101 Freaks List' for the 2025 college football season. The list, which Feldman created in 2005, "chronicles the strongest, fastest and most physical players in college football."  Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (No. 9) was the lone Tiger represented among the top 50 players. The Tigers dynamic receiving duo of Cam Coleman (No. 52) and Eric Singleton Jr. (No. 73) rounded out the representation from Hugh Freeze's squad.  A team caption in 2025, Keldic Faulk is coming off a breakout season as a sophomore on the Plains. His 7 sacks landed just outside of the top 10 among pass rushers in the conference while he finished second to only Jalen McLeod (8) on the team. With a trio of multi-sack games included a two-sack effort against Georgia, Faulk catapulted himself into the first round conversation in 2026 NFL mock drafts.  Feldman listed Faulk's 80 total tackles through two seasons as a major reason he landed in the top 10, as well as the fact the 6-foot-6, 285-pound edge rusher can squat 700 pounds this offseason and bench press 415 pounds despite the fact he is yet to turn 20 years old.) (8-5-25):  https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/auburn/football/2025/08/05/auburn-football-freaks-list-2025-keldric-faulk-cam-coleman/85518497007/

Top 25 Returning College Football Edge Rushers: Colin Simmons, T.J. Parker Lead a Dominant Group (3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn - 2024 PFSN College EDGE+ Grade: 84.14 (B).  Mr. Versatility gives Auburn a unique player with the ability to move Keldric Faulk all around the defensive line. At 6’6″, 285 pounds, Faulk has the size to handle life on the interior defensive line; however, he thrives on the edge.  An explosive first step typically puts offensive tackles in a bind, and recovering from that mistake is usually impossible. He has all of the tools to be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and he’s also a young player who has plenty of elite football ahead of him.) (8-4-25):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/cfb/top-college-football-edge-rushers-2025/

Auburn's Keldrick Faulk vs. Clemson's TJ Parker: ESPN Debates Best Edge Rusher (8-2-25):  https://www.si.com/college/auburn/football/auburn-keldrick-faulk-clemson-tj-parker-espn-best-edge-rusher-01k1nrhse3x9

Top 10 Players With Best Odds to be Drafted First Overall in 2026 NFL Draft (9. Auburn DE Keldric Faulk (+2800):  Faulk is one of the faces of an Auburn team that's looking to break through in its soon-to-be third season under head coach Hugh Freeze. Last season, Faulk racked up seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 45 combined tackles.) (8-1-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/top-10-players-best-odds-drafted-first-overall-2026-nfl-draft

Renner's NFL Draft position rankings: Top edge rushers (Faulk - Player type: Jumbo End.  Room for improvement: Consistent technique.  Early grade: Top-10.  Keldric Faulk was far from the most impressive edge rusher in this class from a pure performance standpoint last season. Scouting is not about what you've done, though, but rather what you'll do. And when you have the kind of length, explosiveness and strength that Faulk has, evaluators will be lining up to see what your future holds.  Faulk reminds me a bit of former top-10 pick Tyree Wilson, although the kind of things it took Wilson until his redshirt senior season to do, Faulk was doing as a true sophomore last year. There's still an undeniable looseness to his game that needs to be refined, but once it does look out.) (7-28-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/renners-2026-nfl-draft-summer-edge-rankings-if-you-need-some-oomph-from-your-pass-rush-look-no-further/

Insider's 2026 NFL draft projections for top 8 DT prospects ft. Keldric Faulk's ceiling, Zane Durant's grade, and more (1. Keldric Faulk/Auburn:  If there is one player at the defensive tackle position that scouts feel could crack the top 25, it’s Faulk. Hailed as a potential top-10 pick by some, Faulk is a large and intense interior defender who dominates against the run while also displaying solid pass-rush skills.  He’s athletic, fundamentally sound and uses his hands incredibly well. Faulk plays with a nonstop motor and comes with a large upside as well as growth potential.) (7-28-25):  https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-insider-s-2026-nfl-draft-projections-top-8-dt-prospects-ft-keldric-faulk-s-ceiling-zane-durant-s-grade

2026 NFL Draft: Preseason edge defender rankings (4. KELDRIC FAULK, AUBURN:  Faulk checks all the size boxes for the NFL. He is listed at 6-foot-6 and 270 pounds with long arms to match his frame. He was a stout run defender in 2024, posting an 83.4 PFF run-defense grade and an 8.6% solo run-stop rate, which placed him in the 83rd percentile for his position.  There are times when you think Faulk might be better as a 3-4 defensive end (more of an interior position), but then he’ll give you a nice cross-face move or a long-arm pass rush that makes you want to keep him on the edge. If he can boost his pass-rush win rate from the single digits, he’ll get his chance to stay at edge defender as a first-round pick.) (7-18-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2026-nfl-draft-preseason-edge-defender-rankings

2025 Auburn Football Position Preview: Defensive end/Buck (Keldric Faulk - There is no question that Jalen McLeod is going to be a guy that is tough to replace, but Auburn heads into the 2025 season in much better shape at these two positions than any time in the last few years. That starts with the return of big junior Keldric Faulk as a building block for the Tigers on defense.  Playing a big role as a true freshman, Faulk expanded his game as a sophomore and became a terror coming off the edge. Finishing with 45 tackles, he also added 7.0 sacks and 11 tackles for a loss, but is primed for bigger things this season. Now weighing close to 290 pounds, Faulk is faster than ever and has a chance to take his game to another level this fall.) (7-12-25):  https://247sports.com/article/we-continue-our-preview-of-the-auburn-tigers-with-a-look-at-the-defensive-ends-and-buck-linebackers-251688807/


Ranking TJ Parker, Keldric Faulk, R Mason Thomas, and a unpopular omission highlight early look at 2026 NFL Draft EDGE class (1. Keldric Faulk (Auburn):  Faulk is listed at 6-6 and 288 pounds. If that listing is even close to legitimate, he is going to go in the top ten when April finally gets here. He is a rare athlete at that size, having the ability to all over the line of scrimmage. Faulk’s game is very similar to current Buffalo Bills standout Gregory Rousseau.) (7-7-25):  https://atozsports.com/nfl-draft/2026-nfl-draft-keldric-faulk-tj-parker-lt-overton-matayo-uiagalelei-r-mason-thomas/

PFF College 50: The 50 best players in college football ahead of the 2025 season (30. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk has started for Auburn in each of his first two seasons and took a major step forward as a sophomore. His 83.8 PFF overall grade was more than 16 points better than his freshman mark and ranks fifth among returning Power Four edge rushers. The former four-star recruit is at his best in the run game, where he tied for eighth among Power Four edges in run-defense stops (23) last year. Faulk is still developing moves as a pass rusher, but he did show improvement there with nine sacks and 45 pressures in 2024. Both figures placed him in the top 20 of the Power Four.) (7-4-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pff50-ranking-50-best-players-2025

'College Football 26': The 10 Highest-Rated QBs, Offensive and Defensive Players (9. Auburn edge Keldric Faulk (93):  Faulk followed up his first-team All-SEC campaign in 2023 with an even stronger year in 2024. He had 45 combined tackles, seven sacks, a forced fumble and 45 total pressures last season.) (7-2-25):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/college-football-26-10-highest-rated-qbs-offensive-defensive-players

Two Auburn Players Make The Athletic's Top 25 SEC Players in 2025 (Faulk is a name that NFL scouts will be watching out for, having put himself in the conversation to be drafted high in 2026. A four-star recruit from the 2023 class, he tallied 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks last season under Hugh Freeze. He is expected to have another strong season, although the Tigers’ defense does lack experience.) (6-28-25):  https://athlonsports.com/college/auburn-tigers/two-auburn-players-make-the-athletics-top-25-sec-players-in-2025

2026 NFL Draft: Another Loaded Edge Rusher Class is Coming (Listed at 6-5, 288 pounds, Faulk is the edge rusher who has piqued Farrar’s interest in early film study.  “From a pure potential standpoint, he’s probably my favorite,” Farrar said of comparing Faulk to the rest of this year’s edge defender class. “This is another guy who can do it from anywhere along the defensive line. He’s got the mass and strength to displace people along the interior. He’s also very active. He can go two gaps inside quicker than you can block him, and he just comes at you from places you don’t expect. That’s become so important in the NFL. As an edge rusher, he can just bull you to death. If you’re a tight end, and you’re responsibility is keeping Faulk out of your backfield, you’re not gonna have a good time.”  In breaking down all of these top edge-rushing prospects, Farrar has picked up on a trend when it comes to the size and skill sets they bring to the table, and what defenses are desiring from the position at both the college and pro levels.  “What’s the common threat with a lot of these guys? They’re bigger,” Farrar said. “A lot of these guys have defensive tackle lower bodies, but they have the speed to go around people, along with that lower frame and leverage to go through them. I don’t know if this is a one-year trend, or if people are looking for their edge defenders to get bigger, but among the top prospects I’ve watched so far (in this class), we’re definitely moving in that direction.”) (6-25-25):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-edge-defender-rueben-bain-jr-keldric-faulk-tj-parker

Auburn’s Keldric Faulk Projected as a First-Round Pick in 2026 NFL Mock Draft (6-23-25):  https://athlonsports.com/college/auburn-tigers/auburns-keldric-faulk-projected-as-a-first-round-pick-in-2026-nfl-mock-draft-


2026 NFL draft: Ranking top five prospects at every position (Edge rusher. Miller's top 5 - 3. Keldric Faulk, Auburn.  Reid's top five - 1. Keldric Faulk, Auburn) (6-20-25):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2026/story/_/id/45532124/nfl-draft-2026-top-five-every-position-players-watch

Auburn Projected to Produce Three First-Round Picks in 2026 NFL Mock Draft (Leading the charge on the defensive side of the ball for a young, but extremely talented group, is defensive lineman Keldric Faulk. A product of Highland Home high school in Alabama, Faulk is looking to build on a 2024 campaign in which he tallied 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks as a second-year starter. He is tabbed as the No. 28 overall pick to the Detroit Lions in Wilsons’ list.) (6-11-25):  https://athlonsports.com/college/auburn-tigers/auburn-projected-to-produce-three-first-round-picks-in-2026-nfl-mock-draft-

Position Group Preview: A look at Auburn’s DL Room Before the 2025 season (The group is anchored by junior edge rusher Keldric Faulk, one of the top returning defenders in the country. He has tallied 81 career tackles and earned a Pro Football Focus grade of 83.8 last season – the fifth-highest among returning Power Four edge rushers. As a sophomore, he racked up 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks and is projected as Auburn’s top NFL Draft prospect for the 2026 draft.  Faulk leads the charge for a group of veterans and young talent off the edge.) (5-27-25):  https://athlonsports.com/college/auburn-tigers/position-group-preview-a-look-at-auburns-dl-room-before-the-2025-season

Top 50 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft (16. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk has been one of Auburn’s starting edge defenders in each of his first two seasons and took a major step forward as a sophomore. His 83.8 PFF grade was more than 16 points better than what he posted as a freshman and is the fifth-best mark of any returning Power Four edge rusher. The former four-star recruit is at his best in the run game, tying for eighth among Power Four edges with 23 run-defense stops last year. Faulk is still developing moves as a pass rusher, but he did show improvement there with nine sacks and 45 pressures last year. Both those figures stood in the top 20 of the Power Four.) (5-20-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-50-prospects-in-the-2026-nfl-draft

2026 NFL Draft Big Board: Early Rankings for Next Year's Top Prospects (7.  Keldric Faulk) (5-13-25):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-draft-rankings-big-board-arch-manning-lanorris-sellers-caleb-downs-drew-allar

10 defensive linemen to know for the 2026 NFL Draft (EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk was one of Auburn’s starting edge defenders in each of his first two seasons and took a major step forward as a sophomore. His 83.8 PFF overall grade was more than 16 points better than what he posted as a freshman and ranked as the fifth-best mark of any returning Power Four edge rusher. The former four-star recruit is at his best in the run game, tying for eighth among Power Four edge defenders with 23 run-defense stops last year. Faulk is still developing moves as a pass rusher, but he did show improvement there with nine sacks and 45 pressures last year. Both figures placed in the top 20 of the Power Four.) (5-9-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-defensive-linemen-to-know-2026-nfl-draft

A way-too-early look at Auburn football's best 2026 NFL Draft prospects (4-27-25):  https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2025/04/27/auburn-football-2026-nfl-draft/83164633007/

Early 2026 NFL Draft Big Board: The top 50 players, including Arch Manning, Caleb Downs and more (16. EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk has been one of Auburn’s starting edge defenders in each of his first two seasons and took a major step forward as a sophomore. His 83.8 PFF grade was more than 16 points better than what he posted as a freshman and is the fifth-best mark of any returning Power Four edge rusher.  The former four-star recruit is at his best in the run game, tying for eighth among Power Four edges with 23 run-defense stops last year. Faulk is still developing moves as a pass rusher, but he did show improvement there with nine sacks and 45 pressures last year. Both those figures stood in the top 20 of the Power Four.) (4-26-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-preseason-2026-nfl-draft-big-board-arch-manning-caleb-downs


College Football: Top 10 returning edge defenders for the 2025 season (5. Keldric Faulk, Auburn:  Faulk has been one of Auburn’s starting edge defenders in each of his first two seasons and took a major step forward as a sophomore. His 83.8 PFF grade was more than 16 points better than what he posted as a freshman and is the fifth-best mark of any returning Power Four edge rusher.  The former four-star recruit is at his best in the run game, tying for eighth among Power Four edges with 23 run-defense stops last year. Faulk is still developing moves as a pass rusher, but he did show improvement there with nine sacks and 45 pressures last year. Both those figures stood in the top 20 of the Power Four.) (3-21-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-returning-edge-defenders-for-the-2025-season

Posted by LionsFan at 10:44 AM

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