Should the Chargers take a swing at the project in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk is a polarizing prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Some analysts love his raw traits and power, while others are skeptical and are unsure of his development. Because of this, he is likely to fall down the draft board, possibly to the Los Angeles Chargers at pick 22. If he’s available, Faulk would help improve a defensive line that could be torn apart this offseason.
Edge rusher could be a huge need for the Chargers, depending on the outcome of free agency. Tuli Tuipulotu is a star, finishing 2025 with an impressive 13 sacks, but the rest of the group is uncertain. Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack, the main contributors outside of Tuipulotu, are both unrestricted free agents this offseason. If they sign elsewhere, addressing edge rusher will become a necessity in the draft.
Faulk would be an excellent addition to the Chargers’ defense if he falls to pick 22. The 6-foot-6, 276-pound defender pairs an elite frame with staggering power. Additionally, he’s an amazing athlete and has excellent lateral agility. These traits help him dominate against the run. He frequently penetrates the backfield and blows up the play before a running back has the chance to react. It’s irrational to attempt to block Faulk with a tight end, because they stand no chance. A team must commit two blockers to him in order to run his way.
This ability makes him a high-floor prospect who will impact early downs. However, his potential as a pass rusher is why he’s a potential star. Faulk’s hand usage is violent as he’s constantly swiping away the opposing lineman’s punches and shedding blocks. This helps him bull-rush players deep in the pocket because they are unable to get their hands latched on and anchor down. He doesn’t do it often, but Faulk has shown the flexibility needed to bend the edge and win with speed.
As aforementioned, the biggest issue with Faulk is his unpolished pass-rushing ability. He doesn’t have many defined moves yet, and he doesn’t deploy any counter moves when his first attempt fails. Additionally, he has a mediocre first step, which hinders him immediately. This is why he only had two sacks in 2025.
The saving grace about Faulk is his age. He’s one of the youngest players in the 2026 NFL Draft, at 20 years old. He still has plenty of time to develop and likely won’t reach his full potential until his second contract. This makes him a project, but his upside is evident.
Overall, Keldric Faulk is a raw pass rusher, but his ability against the run and untapped potential make him a premier prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. He would be an amazing addition to the Chargers defensive line if he’s on the board at pick 22.