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Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk celebrates against Missouri in a October 18, 2025 game.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein predicts the Washington Commanders will select Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk with the No. 7 pick in their latest mock draft. Washington ranked 20th or worse in seven of the major defensive statistics. Zierlein made a succinct point.
“Faulk has impressive size, can play in odd or even fronts and is still filling out his frame. The upside trumps the unremarkable 2025 production.”
Additionally, the team ranked No. 30 in PFSN’s NFL Defense Impact Rankings, which measure production and efficiency. The defense allowed opponents to run for at least 150 yards eight times. On top of that, opposing offenses eclipsed the 250-yard mark nine times. Faulk could provide an immediate upgrade.
Keldric Faulk’s 2nd sack of the series pic.twitter.com/6fd0VUOLjP
— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) September 7, 2024
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Faulk’s Versatility Could Fit New Defensive Scheme
New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, a disciple of Brian Flores, wants to bring the scheme that worked in Minnesota to Washington. One of the most important aspects of the defense is scheme versatility, the ability to slot players in around the field. In the base 3-4, Faulk could operate in every position on a defensive line.
For example, 142 of his 599 snaps at Auburn last year occurred as a down lineman, everything from a five-technique end to a base 4-3 end. Plus, he is also accustomed to playing from a standing position, either as a LEO or even an outside linebacker.
On passing downs, Auburn kicked him inside and used his quickness as a three-technique. Faulk’s 285 pounds make him strong enough to deal with mauling guards. At the same time, his quickness and arm length can give tackles fits.
Keldric Faulk is a day 1 dominator on early downs
Teams rarely run the ball at him and when they try, they almost always fail pic.twitter.com/NlZUGPBQ5E
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 13, 2026
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Faulk exhibits the characteristics that Jones Seeks
When the Commanders hired Jones, he said that he wanted the defense to play with violence. Faulk, regardless of whether he is playing inside or on the edge, brings that intensity on snaps. Film shows an ability not only to shed blocks with strong hands but also to bull rush, allowing him to walk back the blocker on his way into the backfield.
If the past is prologue, Jones’ defense will require heavy blitzing. With chaos flowing downhill, teams will need to make choices. Focusing on Faulk allows for holes in the blocking scheme for defenders to slide through. In contrast, taking the blitz as the main point of emphasis gives Faulk a chance to get into the backfield and attempt to jar the ball loose.
Potential Faulk Drafting May Signal End of Payne Tenure
Payne will play out the final year of his contract with a $22.4 million salary. The Commanders could use this year to transition him out while allowing Faulk to help the defensive line as well. Along with Jer’Zhan Newton, the trio’s ability to confound offenses becomes apparent. Payne hasn’t reached the heights of his 11.5-sack season of 2022. In fact, since that season, he’s tallied just 11 sacks. The price tag and production do not add up.
GettyWashington Commanders defensive lineman hits Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith during a September 21, 2025 game.
While Faulk passes all the measurables from a test standpoint, his technique can desert him, leaving him to try to win purely on athleticism. The transition year provides Faulk with the opportunity to learn from Payne and start gelling with Newton, forming the makings of a strong pass rush.
GettyWashington Commanders defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes II during an October 22, 2025 game.
With holes at safety and wideout also a major concern, the Commanders could choose to head in that direction. Still, passing up on a chess piece that solves a myriad of issues could be too difficult.
Terrance Biggs Terrance started at heavy.com in January 2026
He is a veteran sportswriter with 12 years of experience, covering NFL, College, and MLB. Terrance has held positions at Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Sports Network. A graduate of Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s in Communication, he is also a voting member of the Football Writers Association of America, United States Basketball Writers Association and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. More about Terrance Biggs
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