Auburn’s Keldric Faulk Earns First-Round NFL Draft Buzz in Latest 2026 Mock Projections as His Stock Skyrockets Nationally

Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk has officially entered the national spotlight in a major way, with respected analysts projecting him as a potential first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The buzz surrounding Faulk is building rapidly after his impressive development under head coach Hugh Freeze and defensive coordinator Ron Roberts, and his trajectory now places him among the most coveted defensive prospects in the country.

Faulk’s emergence as an NFL-caliber talent comes as no surprise to Auburn fans, who have watched his rise closely since he stepped onto campus as a highly touted recruit. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 288 pounds, Faulk possesses the rare combination of size, length, and athleticism that NFL scouts crave in modern defensive ends. His versatility, motor, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks make him a prototype edge defender for today’s pass-happy league.

The latest 2026 NFL Mock Drafts from outlets such as ESPN, Pro Football Focus, and 247Sports all point to Faulk as a near-lock for the first round, with some projections even placing him in the top 15 picks. That rise in stock reflects both his physical tools and his rapidly improving production for the Tigers, who are counting on Faulk to anchor their defensive front this fall.

Coming out of Highland Home High School in Alabama, Faulk was regarded as one of the premier defensive prospects in the 2023 recruiting cycle. Rated a four-star recruit by most services, he committed to Auburn over a host of elite programs, including Florida State, Alabama, and Clemson. His decision to stay in-state and play for the Tigers was seen as a massive recruiting win for Auburn and Hugh Freeze, signaling the program’s ability to retain top-tier talent from within Alabama’s borders.

Faulk wasted little time making an impact on the Plains. As a true freshman, he appeared in several games and showcased flashes of brilliance despite limited snaps. Coaches quickly recognized his potential, and by his sophomore season, Faulk was firmly entrenched as a starting defensive end. His breakout 2024 campaign solidified his reputation, as he tallied 8.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and countless quarterback pressures while facing some of the toughest offensive lines in the SEC.

What sets Faulk apart isn’t just his raw athleticism—it’s his technical refinement and football IQ that continue to evolve each season. Auburn’s coaching staff has praised Faulk for his commitment to film study, his work ethic in the weight room, and his leadership on and off the field. These intangibles, combined with his physical gifts, have NFL scouts salivating over his upside as a future franchise cornerstone.

“Keldric Faulk has everything you look for in a dominant defensive end at the next level,” one anonymous NFL scout told 247Sports. “He’s long, explosive off the edge, plays with great leverage, and he’s already showing the ability to set the edge in the run game and collapse the pocket. The scary part is, he’s still just scratching the surface of what he can become.”

Faulk’s ascension also comes at a crucial time for Auburn football. Under Freeze’s leadership, the Tigers are working to reestablish themselves as a national power in the SEC. A dynamic defense led by players like Faulk, Eugene Asante, and Kayin Lee gives Auburn hope that they can compete with the likes of Alabama, Georgia, and LSU in the brutal SEC gauntlet.

The significance of Faulk’s NFL projection extends beyond individual accolades. Auburn has long prided itself on producing elite defensive linemen, from legends like Nick Fairley to more recent stars like Derrick Brown. Should Faulk indeed hear his name called early in the 2026 NFL Draft, he would continue that proud tradition and reinforce Auburn’s reputation as a program that develops next-level defensive talent.

Some analysts have compared Faulk’s potential to former Auburn greats and NFL standouts, with others seeing shades of elite edge rushers like Myles Garrett and Travon Walker in his game. While such comparisons may seem lofty, Faulk’s combination of explosiveness, frame, and technique places him in rare company.

His ability to impact games in multiple ways is one reason NFL teams covet him so highly. Whether it’s his quick first step to beat offensive tackles off the snap, his strength to disengage from blockers, or his instinctive ability to locate the football, Faulk consistently disrupts opposing offenses. In an era where pass rushers are valued more than ever, his presence off the edge is a game-changer.

Moreover, Faulk’s versatility enhances his draft appeal. While primarily an edge defender, he has shown the ability to kick inside on passing downs, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in how they deploy him. His size allows him to hold up against the run, while his athleticism enables him to drop into coverage or spy mobile quarterbacks when needed.

The 2025 college football season will be pivotal for Faulk as he looks to cement his status as a top-tier draft prospect. Scouts will be watching his ability to maintain consistent production, showcase durability, and continue refining his technique. With another strong season, there’s little doubt he could hear his name called among the first 10 to 15 selections next April.

Auburn fans are understandably excited about the prospect of Faulk becoming the next Tiger to make waves in the NFL. His development reflects not only his talent but also the work of Auburn’s coaching staff in maximizing his potential. It also serves as a recruiting pitch to future elite prospects considering Auburn as their college destination.

“It’s special to see Keldric getting this recognition, but I’m not surprised,” Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze said recently. “He’s one of the hardest-working guys on our team, and he cares about doing things the right way—on the field and off. I’ve said it before—he has all the tools to be great, and he’s putting in the work to make that happen.”

For Faulk, the attention is welcome, but his focus remains squarely on the present. In recent interviews, he has emphasized his desire to help Auburn win championships and continue improving as a player. The NFL will come, he says, but his priority is finishing what he started with the Tigers.

Still, the excitement around Faulk’s NFL potential is impossible to ignore. With each passing week, his draft stock rises, and Auburn’s defensive reputation strengthens alongside it. If the projections hold true, Keldric Faulk could soon join the ranks of Auburn legends to hear their name called on draft night—and become the latest symbol of the Tigers’ proud defensive legacy.

The 2026 NFL Draft is still nearly a year away, but the stage is already set. As Auburn prepares for what could be a defining season under Hugh Freeze, Keldric Faulk stands ready to lead the charge, chase greatness, and fulfill the promise that has scouts, analysts, and fans across the country buzzing with anticipation.