It is never too early to evaluate impact edge defenders for the 2026 NFL Draft. General manager Jason Licht has consistently prioritized length and disruption along the defensive front, and Todd Bowles’ scheme thrives when long, explosive edges can compress the pocket without constant blitz pressure. Edge defenders with size, power, and developmental upside are premium assets.
We are working through each position group this cycle. With that in mind, here is our report on Auburn edge defender Keldric Faulk.
Information
- School: Auburn
- Conference: SEC
- Position: EDGE
- Height Weight: 6-6, 248 pounds
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Highland Home, Alabama
Background
Faulk arrived at Auburn as a consensus four-star recruit and quickly validated the hype. He earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2023 and developed into a full-time starter by 2024, stringing together 32 consecutive starts.
His 2024 campaign was his most productive, totaling 45 tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss, and 7.0 sacks while generating consistent backfield disruption. He earned SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week honors and firmly established himself as one of the conference’s premier edge defenders.
In 2025, Faulk served as a team captain and Third-Team All-SEC selection. While his sack numbers dipped, his leadership presence and snap consistency remained strong. He has also earned recognition as one of the nation’s top athletes, landing on major preseason watch lists and The Athletic’s Freaks List.
Notable Stats
- 556 total snaps
- 30 total pressures
- 2.0 sacks
- 75.8 overall defensive grade
- 85.5 run defense grade
Faulk’s 2024 season represents his peak production year, particularly as a pass rusher.
Skills
- Elite length at 6-6
- Strong edge-setting ability
- Power-based pass rush profile
- Long-arm and bull rush effectiveness
- Disruptive in passing lanes
- High-motor pursuit
- Leadership and durability
Faulk’s frame immediately stands out. At 6-6, he uses his length to create separation from blockers and collapse pockets with power. He is not purely a bend-and-dip speed rusher; rather, he wins with leverage, hand usage, and force.
His run defense is one of his strongest traits. Faulk sets a firm edge and plays with physicality, allowing him to contribute immediately on early downs. In passing situations, he flashes the ability to convert speed to power and drive tackles backward into the quarterback’s lap.
Player Summary
Keldric Faulk projects as a mid-first to early-second-round selection and grades out as a top-five edge prospect in the 2026 class. His combination of length, SEC production, and leadership traits gives him a strong floor, while his physical tools offer developmental upside as a long-term starter.
In Tampa Bay, Faulk would fit seamlessly into Todd Bowles’ front as a long, power-oriented edge defender capable of playing both early downs and sub-package roles. His ability to set the edge and compress the pocket would add stability and physicality to the defensive front, with the upside to grow into a foundational EDGE2 and potentially more.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn