🚨 COWBOYS TARGETING DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKER: Keldric Faulk a Potential First-Round Pick Amid Draft Speculation👇

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft, the buzz surrounding their potential picks is growing louder, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With the team aiming to build a defense that can dominate, several top-tier defensive players are being linked to Dallas in the first round. But one name that continues to pop up—despite not being among the most hyped prospects—is Keldric Faulk, a defensive end from the Auburn Tigers who could play a significant role in their future plans.

NFL insider Peter Schrager recently shared insights into what he’s hearing about the Cowboys’ draft strategy, and Faulk’s name has surfaced repeatedly. The young defensive end earned third-team All-SEC honors last season and is being considered by Dallas as a potential fit for their defensive needs.

The Cowboys’ Quest for a “Culture-Changing” Player
One of the more intriguing aspects of this draft process is the Cowboys’ reported desire to bring in “culture-changing” players. According to Schrager, Faulk is a name that consistently comes up in conversations surrounding the Cowboys’ interest in top defensive talent.

“The name that I keep hearing…I keep hearing Keldric Faulk and the Cowboys being tied together,” Schrager said. “This might be at 12, or it could be at 20, but this is people not in the Cowboys organization, but from others around the league.”

It’s clear that the Cowboys are looking for players who can contribute not only on the field but also within the team’s culture. Faulk, with his character and on-field demeanor, fits this mold perfectly.

Why Keldric Faulk?
Keldric Faulk, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 285 pounds, is a versatile defensive end who could excel in Dallas’ new multi-front defensive scheme under Brian Schottenheimer and Christian Parker. His combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a threat against both the pass and the run—qualities that the Cowboys have been seeking in their defensive line.

Faulk’s ability to defend the run, especially on the edge, is something Dallas has been missing since Demarcus Lawrence left the team last season. Lawrence’s departure in free agency, followed by his Super Bowl victory with the Seattle Seahawks, left a gap that Dallas has been struggling to fill. Faulk could be the solution to that issue, bringing physicality and tenacity to the Cowboys’ defensive front.

Keldric Faulk’s Impact in the NFL

In his final season at Auburn, Faulk recorded 39 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, four passes defensed, and a fumble recovery. His well-rounded game makes him an appealing choice for Dallas. Not only does he have the ability to rush the passer, but he also possesses the skills to be a strong run defender, something the Cowboys’ defense sorely needs.

Faulk’s ability to get into the backfield and attack the ball has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s more versatile defensive players. With the Cowboys shifting to a more dynamic defensive front, Faulk’s skill set would mesh perfectly with their plans.

Draft Rumors: At No. 12 or No. 20?
While Faulk’s name is gaining traction, the question remains: will he be selected at No. 12 or No. 20? Schrager suggests it might be more likely that Faulk is picked at No. 20, but with several top defensive players possibly off the board by then, the Cowboys could make a bold move and reach for him at No. 12. The decision will likely spark mixed reactions from the fanbase, as some may view him as a bit of a stretch at that spot.

Faulk may not be the most glamorous name on the board, but his blend of size, skill, and character could make him the ideal fit for the Cowboys, especially if they are focused on reshaping the culture of their defense.

A Strategic Addition to the Cowboys’ Defense
Whether Faulk is the Cowboys’ pick remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt that he has the potential to make an immediate impact. The Cowboys need help on the edge, and Faulk’s ability to defend the run and rush the passer would make him a welcome addition. His versatility allows the Cowboys to experiment with different alignments, giving defensive coordinator Dan Quinn more tools to work with.

Faulk’s character off the field also makes him an ideal fit for a Cowboys team looking to strengthen its defensive identity. If Dallas does indeed draft him, he could be a key piece in their defensive plans for years to come.

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Cowboys and their selection process. Will they reach for Keldric Faulk, or will they wait until pick No. 20? The answer may be one of the most intriguing storylines as the Cowboys continue to build for the future.