Name: Keldric Faulk
Position: Edge rusher
School: Auburn
Ht/Wt: 6-6, 276
40-yard dash: 4.67 seconds
Bench: 17 reps
Vertical: 35 inches
Broad: 9-foot-9
3-cone: Did not run
20-yard shuttle: Did not run
View photos of 2026 NFL Draft edge rusher prospect Keldric Faulk.
Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (15) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) defends during the first half of an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (38) runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) lines up against Ball State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) lines up for a play against South Alabama during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk rushes in during the second half of an NCAA college football game between Baylor and Auburn Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Waco, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) runs a play against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk (38) speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) runs a play against Arkansas during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk (15) deflects the pass attempt during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
How he fits: 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 20-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.
The Lions added veteran edge rushers D.J. Wonnum and Payton Turner in free agency but still have plenty of room to add a young edge rusher in what's considered a very strong class in next month's NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.
Faulk played up and down Auburn's defensive front the last four years so he's got the versatility to play inside in certain pass-rush packages. Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard loves that kind of versatility in his defensive players.
Key observations: An Auburn captain in 2025 and Third Team All-SEC performer, Faulk made 32 consecutive starts dating back to 2023.
What they had to say about him: "Faulk falls into a similar hole as (Clemson DT Peter) Woods, as his 2025 season was inferior to his 2024 season (2.0 sacks compared with 7.0, respectively). But Faulk is a true junior who will not turn 21 until September, so his trajectory could still very much be on the upward slope.
"Faulk has excellent overall size and length, including an 82-inch wingspan. He's not a rusher who wins with quickness off the snap, but rather someone who can get to the quarterback with size, length and smooth strides around the edge. Faulk must develop a better and more diverse rush plan against offensive tackles, but he also provides value as a sturdy run defender who can play from a variety of positions." – Field Yates, ESPN
Go behind the scenes with the Detroit Lions during 2026 free agency.
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Cade Mays during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Larry Borom during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) signs a free agent contract at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park, MI on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Tom Kennedy (85) signs a free agent contract at the Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park, MI on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien signs his contract during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien signs his contract during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive back Christian Izien during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Trevor Nowaske (53) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin and his family during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 12, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 13, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions tight end Tyler Conklin during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 13, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) with his family as he signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (44) during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Roger McCreary during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) during his press conference at the Meijer Performance Center on March 16, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions linebacker Damone Clark during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch and his family during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch and his family during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch and his family as he signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 18, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 19, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 19, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions defensive lineman Myles Adams (66) during his visit at the Meijer Performance Center on March 19, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 20, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 20, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions edge rusher Payton Turner signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 20, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 23, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 23, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
Detroit Lions quarterback Teddy Bridgewater signs his contract at the Meijer Performance Center on March 23, 2026 in Allen Park, Mich. (Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)
How he stacks up: Yates has Faulk as his No. 22 overall prospect in his most recent list of the Top 50 available in the draft and puts Faulk as the No. 5 pass rusher behind David Bailey (Texas Tech), Arvell Reese (Ohio State), Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) and Akheem Mesidor (Miami).
Faulk comes In at No. 23 on Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest 2026 NFL Draft Big Board. Fellow ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid lists Faulk as the third best pass rusher in the class behind only Bain and Bailey.
NFL media analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Faulk as the No. 32 overall prospect in his latest Top 50.
"Faulk is a versatile defensive lineman with an ideal frame and length," Jeremiah wrote. "He aligned up and down the front in Auburn's scheme. He lacks ideal twitch and explosion, but he's a very loose, fluid mover. As a pass rusher, he doesn't have an elite get-off but still finds ways to win with a swooping arm-over or steady pocket push. He doesn't always have a plan, which impacts his production.
"Against the run, he can stack and hold the point of attack because of his length and balance. He'll shoot gaps at times and provide penetration to force negative plays. His effort is good, and coaches rave about his character/work ethic. Overall, I was hoping he would play with more ferocity, but there's a lot to dream about with his potential."
What he had to say: "I can play any type of front in any type of system," Faulk said at last month's NFL Scouting Combine. "Just because I had done it all at Auburn. 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 people on the ground and you're going to see a lot of TFL's (tackles for losses)."
