ESPN insider reveals how Keldric Faulk could cement status as Top-15 pick in NFL Draft

After emerging as a focal point of Auburn’s defense last year, Keldric Faulk is looking to take the next step in 2025. He’s an early name to watch around NFL Draft circles, and ESPN’s Jordan Reid predicted he could cement his status as a top pick this season.

Faulk is part of a talented group of pass rushers returning to college football this year and is coming off a huge 2024 season at Auburn. He set new career-highs in tackles for loss and sacks, although Reid said he’s looking for more consistency off the edge.

But with Faulk’s success in run defense, Reid said he’s already looking at a first-round grade. The key will be getting more consistent rushing the passer, and that could lead him into the Top 15.

“He’s my favorite EDGE rusher in the draft, honestly,” Reid said Thursday on The Paul Finebaum Show. “He’s not going to be flashy like some of these other guys in the draft like T.J. Parker or some of the other names you’ll see – Dani Dennis-Sutton at Penn State, Matayo Uiagalelei and a bunch of other EDGE rushers that you’ll hear about in the country. But he’s just the model of consistency.

“And he’s one of those old-school, big-based defensive ends – 6-6, 300-plus pounds. He’s really good with his hands, he’s very stable and consistent at the point of attack, as well. I think he’s an NFL-ready run defender already. Still has to show some more consistency as a pass-rusher. But if he puts on tape what he showed this past season, I think there’s no way he isn’t a Top-15 overall pick.”

Reid ranked Faulk as his No. 1 EDGE prospect in this year’s draft, showcasing the hype building around the Auburn star. He had a huge sophomore season in 2024, totaling 45 tackles – including 11 tackles for loss and 7.0 sacks – as he formed an impressive one-two punch with Jalen McLeod, who headed to the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2024 NFL Draft.

That means it will be Keldric Faulk’s time to shine as the anchor of Auburn’s defense. The Tigers enter a huge year for Hugh Freeze after last year’s 5-7 record, although the program went to work in the transfer portal and on the high school recruiting trail.

Auburn brought in 20 players as part of its Top-10 portal class, led by former Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton – the No. 4-ranked player in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. As a group, the Tigers came in at No. 6 in the On3 Team Transfer Portal Index. On the high school front, Auburn had the No. 8-ranked class, headlined by five-star quarterback Deuce Knight.