Dallas Cowboys Eyeing Keldric Faulk to Strengthen Edge Rusher Position in 2026 NFL Draft

Dallas, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys are currently facing a significant void at the edge rusher position, following their controversial trade of Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in August 2025. While the loss of Parsons—a dynamic and transformative player—has certainly stung, the Cowboys’ management remains confident that the team can overcome this setback with the right additions. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys have an opportunity to bolster their pass rush and fill the gap left by Parsons.

After the trade, where Parsons was swapped for two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, the Cowboys have been forced to reassess their defensive needs. However, with Parsons expected to miss the first three to four games of the 2026-27 season, the situation has grown even more complicated. While his absence will leave a hole early in the season, the Cowboys’ front office has been diligent in preparing for the next steps in rebuilding their pass rusher unit.

Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23 through 25 in Pittsburgh, the Cowboys are expected to take a long, hard look at improving their edge rush capabilities. With the bulk of the free agency period winding down, they are focusing on filling the gaps left in their defensive line, and adding an impactful edge rusher seems to be a priority. One name standing out in the draft projections is Keldric Faulk, an emerging star from Auburn.

Keldric Faulk: The Perfect Fit for Dallas

In a feature for Yahoo Sports on April 13, NFL analysts Nate Tice and Charles McDonald identified Keldric Faulk as a potential first-round pick for the Cowboys. Faulk, a towering figure at 6-foot-6 and 276 pounds, has caught the attention of scouts due to his exceptional size and S-tier run-stopping ability. While his pass-rush production has yet to reach its full potential, his raw talent, youth (he’s only 20), and upside make him an attractive option for a team looking to rebuild its edge rush.

Tice and McDonald both expressed admiration for Faulk’s “good movement skills” and “high character”, praising him for being a “culture player” who is capable of adapting to the NFL’s physical demands. “I am personally a fan who is willing to bet on his youth,” McDonald wrote, referring to the player’s age and development potential. The analysts noted that Faulk’s ability to stop the run and pressure the pocket could provide immediate impact, especially for a defense aiming to match the potential of the Cowboys’ high-octane offense.

An Athletic Beast with Untapped Potential

Faulk’s NFL profile outlines his impressive attributes, including his “long, developing frame” and “good movement skills,” which provide him with the potential to play across multiple fronts. The profile also highlights that Faulk “needs more assertive initial strikes” to truly dominate in gap control but has the “toughness and mentality” necessary to improve in these areas at the NFL level.

At only 20 years old, Faulk has an impressive foundation to build upon. His fluidity and finesse when working around blocks indicate he could be a significant force in the NFL with additional muscle mass and refinement to his technique. Given the Cowboys’ history of developing top-tier defensive talent, adding a player with such raw potential could be the key to bolstering their defensive line.

A No-Brainer for the Cowboys

In terms of physicality, Faulk’s stature alone makes him an imposing presence on the field, and his combination of size, athleticism, and upside makes him an ideal candidate to fill the edge rusher void left by Parsons. The Cowboys have a real opportunity to grab Faulk in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and many believe it’s a move they should make if he’s available.

Given that the Cowboys have already shown a commitment to improving their defense, adding a player like Faulk would be a logical step forward. He could not only help replace the void left by Parsons but also provide flexibility on the defensive line, offering depth and versatility.

Looking Ahead: The Future of the Cowboys’ Defense

As the Cowboys prepare for the draft, they have the chance to address key gaps and potentially land one of the most promising edge rushers in the upcoming class. Keldric Faulk stands out as a player with the potential to help transform their defensive front, giving them the tools they need to contend with some of the top offenses in the NFL.

With the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaching, the Cowboys’ front office will be closely monitoring the best available prospects. If they land Keldric Faulk, it could be the perfect solution to their edge rusher dilemma, setting the stage for a more formidable defense in the years to come.

The Dallas Cowboys’ search for a future star continues, and Keldric Faulk may just be the player they need to complete the next chapter of their defensive evolution.