Keldric Faulk — 2026 NFL Mock Draft Roundup 3.0

Faulk's talents fit the Ravens' profile. He's a versatile, hard-charging pass rusher.

Since taking over in 2024, GM Joe Hortiz and coach Jim Harbaugh have not taken a defensive player in the first two rounds of the draft. That was a fine strategy when they had Jesse Minter, a defensive coordinator who proved capable of doing more with less from a personnel standpoint. But now Minter is gone, and the Chargers have a first-year play caller in new defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary. They need to invest in defensive talent. As it stands, edge rushers Odafe Oweh and Khalil Mack are headed for free agency. Even if the Chargers re-sign both players, they should start planning for life after Mack, who is entering his age-35 season. Faulk gives the Chargers a player to groom in the edge room. He has alignment versatility that will pair well with the flexible Tuli Tuipulotu, who has been very successful kicking inside on pass-rush downs in his career.

With two first-round picks, I wouldn't be shocked if the Cowboys trade up into the top 10 for somebody on draft day, but in this mock, I have them sitting pat and using both picks. After getting Sonny Styles with their first, they address the pass rush with their second.

Faulk has the versatility to rush from the inside and outside. Pairing him with Nic Scourton gives Carolina some fresh legs up front.

Let's keep the Cowboys' defensive theme going with Faulk, who could help bolster a pass rush that tied for 22nd in total sacks this past season. Faulk was in the conversation as a top-10 prospect after seven sacks in 2024, but he had just two in 2025. This pick would be a calculated bet on his upside at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds with smooth movement skills, stout hands to set the edge in the running game and overall growth potential. Faulk is among the youngest players in the draft, as he won't turn 21 until Sept. 7.

Jesse Minter was hired to help Baltimore get back to having a stalwart defense, but the Ravens will need a bit more talent up front to make that an easier job. Faulk is a high-upside project who can affect the run game right now with his size and power. This is the realistic upside play that the Ravens have cashed in on for the past 30 years.

The Cowboys could afford to double up on defense with their two first-round picks. The trade of Micah Parsons left a sizable hole in terms of pass rush. Faulk is versatile and explosive, so I think he could get the job done. These two picks might turn Dallas' defense around.