With the 2026 NFL Draft now less than a month away, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have wrapped up most of their major free-agency decisions, strengthening several key areas on their roster. With that phase complete, attention shifts back to evaluating draft prospects—next up is Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk.
This offseason, my primary focus has been on the defensive side of the ball, surveying multiple positions in search of players who can help elevate Tampa Bay into an elite unit. The Bucs still need a complementary piece alongside Yaya Diaby, as well as added depth up front.
Faulk presents a challenging evaluation. His frame places him right on the line between edge rusher and interior defensive lineman. For projection purposes, I’m grading him as an edge defender, as that seems to be the most promising path for his NFL future—though there’s a valid argument for him fitting inside as well.
Keldric Faulk: Background and College Career
Faulk entered college football as a four-star recruit from Highland Home, Alabama. A standout multi-sport athlete, he competed in both football and basketball in high school. In his scouting report for 247Sports, Cooper Petagna highlighted Faulk’s upside, noting: “Maintains a high athletic ceiling, has continued to improve his play speed and reactionary ability as he’s developed throughout his high school career. Arrow is pointing up, projects a high-level multi-year starter at a Power Five program at the next level.”
Faulk committed to Auburn in December 2022 and became part of the Tigers’ 2023 recruiting class. He lived up to expectations, starting for three seasons and logging nearly 1,600 snaps. During his SEC career, he recorded 109 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and 10 sacks. He also broke up six passes—four of them coming in his final year.
