CBS Sports Projects Auburn Star Defensive End Keldric Faulk as a Top 10 Selection in the Upcoming NFL Draft.
Auburn football is no stranger to producing elite NFL talent, and once again, the Tigers appear poised to send another dynamic force to the professional ranks. According to a recent projection by CBS Sports, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk is being pegged as a Top 10 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft — a reflection not only of his raw athleticism and skill, but also of the work he has put in during his time on The Plains. For Auburn fans, the buzz surrounding Faulk is more than just draft hype; it’s a testament to the development pipeline that continues to thrive under the current coaching staff, and to the defensive culture that Auburn has long been known for.
Keldric Faulk arrived at Auburn as one of the most heralded recruits in the country. Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing around 280 pounds, Faulk brought a unique blend of size, speed, and explosiveness that made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. From the moment he stepped on the field, it was clear he wasn’t just another highly touted freshman — he was something special. Whether it was blowing up running plays in the backfield, collapsing the pocket on third down, or setting the edge in key moments, Faulk consistently demonstrated why he was a coveted five-star prospect.
His freshman season was a preview of what was to come. Despite being one of the youngest players on the field, Faulk held his own — and then some — against experienced SEC offensive lines. Coaches raved about his motor, his work ethic, and his willingness to learn. It’s one thing to be physically gifted, but what set Faulk apart was his attention to detail and commitment to improvement. He was often seen after practices working with position coaches, going over techniques and refining his pass-rush moves.
By his sophomore year, Faulk had become a dominant force. He led the team in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback pressures. His impact wasn’t just statistical — it was transformational. Auburn’s defense took on a new identity, rallying around Faulk’s relentless energy and setting the tone with physicality and discipline. SEC offenses began game-planning specifically to neutralize him, often double-teaming him or chipping him with tight ends and running backs. Even with that extra attention, Faulk found ways to make plays.
CBS Sports analysts have taken note. In their recent mock draft, Faulk was slotted as the No. 7 overall pick, landing him firmly in the elite tier of college prospects. The analysts praised his versatility — he can line up as a traditional defensive end, slide inside on passing downs, or even stand up and rush from the outside. His athletic testing numbers are expected to be off the charts when the NFL Combine arrives, with early reports suggesting a 40-yard dash time in the 4.6 range and a vertical jump north of 35 inches — absurd for a player of his size.
But the projection is about more than just athleticism. It’s also about production, leadership, and upside. Scouts are enamored with how Faulk handles himself off the field. He’s been described as mature beyond his years, with a calm demeanor and a team-first mentality. He’s taken on a leadership role in the Auburn locker room, mentoring younger players and leading by example. In interviews, he speaks with confidence and humility, always quick to credit his teammates and coaches for his success.
NFL executives and scouts are always looking for players who check every box — physical tools, mental toughness, coachability, and character. Keldric Faulk appears to be that rare player who offers the complete package. It’s no surprise, then, that CBS Sports would project him so highly. If anything, some believe he could climb even higher as the draft process unfolds. With a strong showing in the 2025 season and standout performances at the NFL Combine and Auburn’s Pro Day, Faulk could very well push into the Top 5 — or even higher.
Auburn fans, of course, are thrilled but not surprised. They’ve watched his rise closely, week after week, play after play. They’ve seen how he can single-handedly shift the momentum of a game with a strip-sack or a tackle for loss on third down. They’ve watched him make impossible plays look routine, all while keeping a level head and a team-oriented focus. For a program that has prided itself on developing gritty, high-motor defenders, Faulk fits the mold perfectly — and then takes it a step further.
The Tigers’ coaching staff deserves a great deal of credit as well. Defensive line coach Jeremy Garrett has been instrumental in Faulk’s growth, helping him hone his technique and learn how to read offensive schemes more effectively. Head coach Hugh Freeze has also spoken highly of Faulk, often calling him one of the most coachable and intelligent players he’s ever worked with. The program’s commitment to player development, both on and off the field, has clearly paid dividends in Faulk’s case.
Moreover, Faulk’s journey serves as a powerful recruiting tool for Auburn. High school prospects across the country are watching how he has progressed, how Auburn has prepared him for the next level, and how NFL teams now view him. It sends a strong message: come to Auburn, put in the work, and you’ll be given every opportunity to become great. That’s a message that resonates deeply in the highly competitive world of college football recruiting.
As for Faulk himself, he remains focused on the task at hand — helping Auburn win. In interviews, he’s quick to deflect draft talk, insisting that his priority is team success and improving every day. He understands that accolades and projections are nice, but they mean little without results. He’s driven not by headlines, but by the pursuit of excellence and the bonds he shares with his teammates. That mindset, perhaps more than anything, is what makes him such a valuable asset — both for Auburn and for any NFL team lucky enough to draft him.
It’s also worth noting that Faulk’s impact goes beyond the field. He’s heavily involved in community service, frequently volunteering with local youth programs and serving as a role model for younger athletes. His presence is felt throughout the Auburn campus, where students and fans alike view him not just as a football star, but as a person of substance and integrity. In an era where off-field character is scrutinized more than ever, Faulk stands out as a beacon of what’s right in college athletics.
Looking ahead, the sky truly is the limit for Keldric Faulk. With another year of SEC football ahead of him, he has the chance to cement his legacy as one of Auburn’s all-time greats. And when draft day finally arrives, it’s likely he’ll hear his name called early — perhaps even among the first five selections. That moment will be a culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and belief. It will also be a proud day for Auburn, a celebration of a player who embodies everything the program strives to represent.
In the months to come, expect the buzz to only grow louder. As scouts pore over game tape and analysts debate their draft boards, one name will keep surfacing near the top: Keldric Faulk. Whether it’s his highlight-reel plays, his freakish athleticism, or his quiet leadership, there’s something undeniable about him. He’s more than a draft prospect — he’s a cornerstone. And soon, he’ll be anchoring an NFL defense just like he’s anchored Auburn’s.
For now, though, Auburn fans can enjoy every snap, every sack, and every thunderous tackle. Because while Keldric Faulk’s future may lie in the NFL, his legacy at Auburn is already firmly in place.
