If your Premier Madden League season depends on landing a game-changing defender early, Keldric Faulk is the kind of name that will dominate pre-draft conversation. The Auburn edge/defensive line prospect has surged into consensus first-round territory thanks to an unusual combination of size, athleticism, and on-field production. Below is a full breakdown of his scouting grades, recruiting background, college stats, and projected testing numbers — along with an evaluation of his fit and NFL ceiling.
Scouting Consensus & Draft Grades
Across major scouting outlets, Keldric Faulk is viewed as a top-tier defensive prospect and a likely top-10 pick — possibly even first overall in a class without a clear quarterback consensus. Evaluators praise his rare frame, violent play style, and ability to impact the game from multiple alignments.
At 6’6” and nearly 290 pounds, Faulk combines the power of a traditional 4–3 end with the twitch and length of a stand-up edge rusher. Scouts describe him as a “scheme-proof defender” who can line up inside on early downs and rush off the edge on third downs. His hand technique, explosiveness, and balance at that size are standout traits.
Coaches and analysts consistently note that he plays with real edge discipline — he doesn’t just hunt sacks; he controls the line of scrimmage. That makes him the type of player who can anchor a defensive front immediately, much like Rashan Gary or Trey Hendrickson.
Physical Profile & Projected Combine Results
- Height: 6’6”
- Weight: 285 lbs
- Arms: 34” (projected)
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.70–4.76 (projected range)
- Vertical Jump: Around 34 inches (projected)
- Bench Press: Estimated 25–27 reps of 225 lbs
Faulk’s frame and movement skills are what push him into elite territory. At nearly 290 pounds, running in the mid-4.7s would put him in rare company — a similar athletic tier to Myles Garrett or Travon Walker during their draft processes. Scouts expect him to show strong lower-body explosion, evident on film when he plants and redirects laterally to chase plays down from the backside.
If those testing numbers hold true, Faulk could post one of the top athletic profiles for a defensive lineman in the entire class.
High School Pedigree & Recruiting Background
Faulk came out of Highland Home High School in Alabama as one of the state’s most sought-after recruits. A consensus four-star prospect, he ranked inside the ESPN 300 and was viewed as a top-10 defensive lineman nationally. He earned All-State honors and drew offers from powerhouse programs including Alabama, Florida State, and Clemson before committing to Auburn.
Scouts at the time projected him as a “future NFL edge with the frame to add 20 pounds without losing burst.” He entered college as a raw but physically gifted athlete, praised for his motor, leadership, and multi-sport background.
College Career & Production
At Auburn, Faulk made an immediate impact. He saw rotational snaps as a freshman before earning a full-time starting role by his sophomore season. His production steadily climbed each year as he refined his technique and gained comfort in Auburn’s multiple-front system.
College Career Overview (Auburn):
- Games Played: 45
- Total Tackles: 138
- Tackles for Loss: 34
- Sacks: 18.5
- QB Pressures: 67
- Forced Fumbles: 8
Faulk’s statistical output may not leap off the page compared to some pure speed rushers, but his tape tells the full story. He was one of the SEC’s most disruptive linemen, consistently forcing hurried throws and collapsing pockets. Auburn frequently used him to set the edge, eat blocks, and stunt inside — responsibilities that often limit raw sack totals but are critical to team success.
His growth each year is what excites NFL evaluators most. Early on, he was winning on athleticism alone. By his junior season, his hand placement, leverage control, and timing all improved noticeably.
Strengths
- Elite Frame and Length:
Faulk’s 6’6” build with long arms gives him a massive strike zone and makes it difficult for tackles to engage him cleanly. He wins at the point of attack with natural leverage and heavy hands. - Run-Stopping Power:
He’s not just a pass rusher — Faulk is a complete defensive lineman. He consistently anchors against double teams, holds his gap, and disengages to make plays in the run game. - Explosiveness and Motor:
When he fires off the ball, Faulk has an excellent first step for his size. He plays with controlled aggression and rarely gives up on a play. - Positional Flexibility:
Auburn used him across the defensive front — 5-tech, 4i, and even as a stand-up edge in some sub-packages. That flexibility translates perfectly to modern NFL defenses. - NFL-Ready Physique:
There’s no projection required with his body type — he already looks like an NFL lineman and won’t need significant bulking or conditioning work.
Weaknesses
- Technique Refinement:
While his raw tools are elite, Faulk still wins primarily through power and length. He can improve his hand counter moves and timing to become more efficient against polished NFL tackles. - Pad Level Consistency:
At 6’6”, leverage can sometimes betray him. When he pops upright off the snap, smaller linemen can get under his pads and neutralize his strength. - Limited Bend Around the Edge:
He’s not a pure speed rusher who can consistently dip and flatten. His game is more about power and control than ankle flexibility or finesse. - Motor Variability:
Scouts have noted some stretches where he disappears from the stat sheet. Sustaining intensity every down will be key to his development into an elite-level player.
NFL Projection & Ideal Fit
Faulk projects as a Day 1 starter in most defensive systems — especially in hybrid fronts that mix 4–3 and 3–4 concepts. His best fit is as a 4–3 defensive end or a 3–4 strong-side edge who can set the tone physically.
He’s the kind of prospect a team can build its front seven around. His floor is that of a consistent, dependable starter who racks up pressures and sets a physical edge every week. His ceiling? A perennial All-Pro who can post double-digit sacks and dominate against the run.
Potential NFL Comparisons:
- Rashan Gary (Packers): Similar build, explosive power, and multi-role versatility.
- Travon Walker (Jaguars): Comparable athletic traits and projection upside.
- Cameron Jordan (Saints): Could develop into a complete, technically refined two-way edge.
Projected Combine Impact & Draft Range
If Faulk confirms his testing expectations, he could lock himself into the top five — possibly even the first overall pick in drafts that favor defense over quarterback projects. His combination of size, movement, and strength doesn’t come around often.
A strong combine showing (sub-4.75 40, elite agility drills, and solid bench numbers) would validate the traits already seen on film and cement him as one of the safest defensive investments in recent years.
For a Madden League context, Faulk’s prototype build and athleticism make him a dream pick for users who want a disruptor capable of single-handedly changing a defense. He has the traits to post elite strength, power-move, and block-shedding ratings right out of the gate — the type of player who alters the course of a franchise.
Final Evaluation
Keldric Faulk isn’t just another athletic edge prospect — he’s a foundational piece with All-Pro potential. His rare combination of size, length, and movement gives him a higher floor than most defensive linemen, while his improving technical skillset points to untapped ceiling.
He’s been on the radar since high school, steadily improved at Auburn, and now stands on the brink of being the first defensive player taken in his class. If he meets expectations at the combine, there’s a strong argument that he deserves to go No. 1 overall.
In a league obsessed with quarterbacks, it’s not often a defensive end earns that kind of conversation — but Keldric Faulk’s mix of talent, maturity, and projection makes him a legitimate exception.
