10 in 10: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting
Auburn will be hoping their offense takes a step forward with highly-touted recruit Jackson Arnold, along with a talented receiving corps. However, I have my eye on their defense, and in particular, their star edge rusher Keldric Faulk. If he can show improvement in 2025, I would be surprised if he doesn’t hear his name called on Day 1 in the 2026 draft. Check back tomorrow for the final scouting report ahead of kickoff in Week 0.
No. 2- Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn
Prospect Details
Name: Keldric Faulk
College: Auburn
Year: Junior
Measurables: 6’6, 270 pounds
Scheme Fit: Defensive End/5-tech in a 4-2-5 base defense
Background
Former 4 star recruit out of Alabama, Faulk committed to Auburn over Alabama, Clemson and Florida. He has been one of Auburn’s starting edge defenders in each of his first two seasons. Also played basketball at Highland Home HS. In 2023, he played in every game and had 35 tackles for the season. Was named to the SEC All-Freshman team.
Took a big step forward in 2024 as a second-year starter at defensive end. He had 45 tackles, along with 11.0 TFLs and 7.0 sacks. 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.
Detailed Scouting Report
Strengths
1. Plays with excellent length and size. Versatility to play as a stand-up rusher or hand in the dirt on the edge.
2. Good power in his hands and leg drive. Can push back offensive tackles on initial contact and can get people on the ground in a hurry.
3. Great hustle and motor and chases down plays on the backside of the play. Kept working on 2 plays to chase down Jalen Milroe vs Alabama, even when he was chased out of the pocket.
4. Disengages from his blockers in run defense very well to break up the play. Wraps up the ball carrier well, missing only 4 tackles across the 2024 season.
Development Points
1. Can be more active with his moves. Gets stonewalled on his initial punch too often by dominant tackles, and needs to develop a more diverse pass rush plan.
2. Below-average change of direction and bend for an outside rusher. Prone to bad angles on outside stretch or QB scrambles, and can be left grasping at air at times in the open field at the boundary.
3. Struggled a bit vs Membou and Missouri. Pushed around at times due to playing with too high a pad level. Needs to use his length and power more consistently and keep low in his stance.
4. Inconsistent at the point of attack when pass rushing. Can get his hands pushed down too easily and allow blockers into his chest to knock him off balance.
Summary
Faulk improved in almost every way in 2024 for the Auburn Tigers and plays with excellent length and size. He has good power in his hands and will chase down every play like it’s his last. Certainly can improve his hand usage and pad level, but could hear his name called early in April. My summer scouting comp for him is Tyree Wilson, who went on to be a top 10 pick, although hasn't quite lived up to that rating yet in his short NFL career. Faulk will look to replicate his draft position and improve upon his performance in the NFL.
Player Comp: Tyree Wilson
Team Fits: Seahawks, Rams, Dolphins
Grade: 7.4/9.0 (Top 15 Grade)