Keldric Faulk is an edge rusher and 2026 NFL Draft prospect who declared after his junior season at Auburn University. A native of Auburn, Alabama who grew up near the program he would eventually play for, Faulk was a four-star recruit in the 2023 class who chose the Tigers and developed rapidly into one of the SEC's most physically imposing defenders. He appeared in games as a true freshman before stepping into a larger role and eventually becoming a full-time starter as the Tigers' most versatile and powerful edge presence. Over his three seasons in the program he recorded steady statistical production while generating significant pressure totals that did not always convert to sacks at a commensurate rate, as his game is more defined by run defense dominance and pocket disruption than raw sack numbers. His impressive physical testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, including elite power and movement numbers for his size, significantly boosted his pre-draft positioning.
Measuring 6 feet 6 inches and approximately 276 pounds with elite arm length for the position, Faulk brings a rare combination of size, physical power, and functional athleticism for a defender at his weight class, creating mismatches in both the run game and interior pass-rush alignments that evaluators find immediately compelling. His run defense is his calling card, as he sets the edge with force that few college offensive tackles can match, and his ability to two-gap and control blockers while keeping his outside shoulder free gives defensive coordinators a versatile weapon on early downs. The primary concern in his evaluation is a pass-rush development that has not yet matched his physical tools, as his sack production has been modest relative to his exceptional traits and his repertoire of counters when his initial power rush is absorbed needs expansion. He projects as a first-round selection whose combination of size, run-stopping dominance, and physical upside as a pass rusher gives him one of the highest developmental ceilings in a class full of edge talent.
