Keldric Faulk NFL Draft Scouting Report

2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Auburn EDGE/DE Keldric Faulk

Keldric Faulk is a versatile, physically imposing defensive lineman with an NFL-ready frame and advanced run-defense skill set. At 6’6”, 280 pounds, Faulk carries ideal length and power for a modern multiple-front edge defender. A high-effort, high-motor player with violent hands and strong play recognition, he’s been a consistent presence for Auburn since his freshman year and now projects as one of the top defensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft class.

Faulk’s combination of length, strength, and alignment flexibility gives him immediate scheme versatility. He can play base end in a 4-3, shift inside as a 4i-tech in odd fronts, or function as a 5-tech in multiple schemes. While not the most twitchy or explosive edge in the class, his power, leverage, discipline, and motor allow him to impact games both against the run and as a complementary pass rusher.

Film Summary

Faulk’s tape shows a defender who wins with physicality, technique, and relentless effort. His ability to lock out and extend against offensive tackles makes him a dependable edge setter in the run game. He plays with excellent upper-body strength and uses long arms to maintain separation before disengaging to make plays on the ball. Against pullers and combo blocks, he diagnoses quickly, either spilling the play underneath or anchoring to force it back inside.

As a pass rusher, Faulk displays solid speed-to-power conversion and uses long-arm, rip, and swim techniques effectively. His hand usage and pad-level consistency have improved, and while he lacks elite bend, he compensates with leverage, power, and tenacity. He can collapse pockets or stunt inside to create pressure through the A/B gaps.

Ideal Scheme Fit

Multiple Front / Hybrid Defense — best utilized in schemes that value versatility across the defensive line. Fits best as a 4-3 base end or 3-4 5-tech DE, where he can set a firm edge, play inside on passing downs, and leverage his size and motor in power-based fronts (similar to systems used by the Steelers, Commanders, or 49ers).

Key Strengths (Film-Based Traits)

• Prototype frame and length: Possesses ideal NFL body type for a hybrid edge; long arms and broad build create mismatch leverage.

• Run-defense dominance: Powerful at the point of attack, quick to diagnose blocking schemes, and effective at maintaining edge integrity.

• Alignment versatility: Productive from multiple spots — can play from 0-tech to 5-tech or stand up in a hybrid front.

• Physical temperament: Plays with violence and energy, consistently looking to deliver contact and set a tone.

• Motor and effort: Pursues plays across the formation; high-effort finisher who cleans up sacks and pressures with hustle.

Developmental Areas (Growth Opportunities)

• Explosiveness and twitch: More linear than sudden; lacks elite burst to threaten tackles with speed around the corner.

• Pass-rush refinement: Needs to improve hand timing and sequencing to avoid getting chest-to-chest with blockers.

• Bend and flexibility: Displays some stiffness when turning tight angles; wins more with power than with agility.

• Handling double teams: Can be displaced off the line against heavy combo blocks.

Football Scout 365 Grade: High-End Starter Potential

A dynamic, alignment-versatile edge defender with rare first-step quickness, fluidity, and a deep pass-rush arsenal. Projects as a high-upside rotational piece with eventual every-down starter potential in hybrid fronts.

• NFL Draft Projection: Mid-to-Late 1st Round

• Pro Comparison: Brandon Graham — a compact, powerful edge with advanced leverage usage, heavy hands, and elite effort against both the run and the pass.

  
  

Final Analysis

Keldric Faulk projects as a scheme-versatile, power-based edge defender with early starting potential at the next level. His frame, strength, and discipline make him one of the safest front-seven prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. While he lacks the twitch of elite bend rushers, Faulk compensates with advanced run-fit intelligence, heavy hands, and relentless effort.

He fits best in hybrid fronts where his combination of size and versatility can be maximized — whether setting the edge in even fronts or reducing inside on passing downs. With continued growth in hand refinement and pass-rush counter work, Faulk has the upside to develop into a perennial Pro Bowl-caliber base end / 5-tech at the next level.