The Cleveland Browns got by in 2025 with a defensive end rotation of Alex Wright, Cameron Thomas, and Isaiah McGuire, where the whole was greater than the sum of the parts.
That could be the plan again this season, though new defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg may be itching for something better, especially since the offense will continue to struggle to score if the plan really is to start Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders at quarterback.
Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, defense may not be a priority,
at least in the first round, but if general manager Andrew Berry is interested in adding a defensive end who can step in while still having room to grow, he may consider Auburn’s Keldric Faulk when the Browns are on the clock later in Round 1.
Name: Keldric Faulk
Position: Defensive End
Height/Weight: 6-foot-6, 276 pounds
College: Auburn Tigers
2025 Defensive Stats: 12 games, 29 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
Career Defensive Stats: 37 games, 109 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Average “Big Board” Position as of Publishing Date from Mock Draft Database: 20th overall, projected first round
The Draft Network’s Grade/Round Value: Round 2 – Winning Starter
What an Expert is Saying
Faulk has a long, developing frame, good movement skills, and the potential for odd or even fronts once he gains more muscle mass. He’s a culture player with high character who earns a grade bump based on his age (turns 21 in September), traits, and advanced foundation. A fluid athlete with good movement skills, he works around blocks with finesse but needs more assertive initial strikes to set firmer edges in gap control. His toughness and mentality suggest he’ll play through blocks more consistently in an NFL environment. Faulk’s rush is diverse. However, with an average upfield burst, he might require a move inside on passing downs, where his long levers, quickness, and agility can overmatch guards. Faulk needs polish but offers a high ceiling that should reveal itself within a couple of years.
What an Expert is Saying (Bonus Round):
Faulk, who won’t turn 21 until September, is one of the youngest players in the draft, and there’s no denying that he’s a raw prospect. His production declined in 2025, but his tape is much better than his numbers indicate. He plays with outstanding effort, and you simply cannot coach his combination of size, length, and athleticism.
The reality is that Faulk won’t win with speed or redirection suddenness. He needs to develop a pass rush plan and refine his hands. Faulk will be a day-one high-impact run defender in the NFL. He’s strong at the point of attack, sets a hard edge, and plays the run with loads of physicality and effort.
There are a lot of similarities between Faulk and Arik Armstead; the latter was also 21 years old coming out of Oregon. Faulk is slightly shorter than Armstead but is more athletically gifted. He should have a long, successful NFL career ahead of him and could be one of the steals in this draft.
Fit with the Browns
General manager Andrew Berry likes selecting younger players who may need some additional seasoning to fulfill their potential, and Faulk fits that bill. He would not need to be the top guy across Myles Garrett from day one, but rather can be a key component of the rotation until he gets his full game in order. But someone who plays the run with “loads of physicality and effort” would certainly fit in the AFC North Division.
The question is whether or not Berry can afford to use a first-round pick on a player who does not play a position of need and will need some time to maximize his potential. It could be tempting, but does Berry have time to find out?
Browns Player Drafting Could Impact
The club seems happy enough with their current rotation at the position, and other areas need to be addressed in the first round. But if they were to use a first-round selection on a defensive end, then Julian Okwara, Isaiah McGuire, and Alex Wright would be sweating during training camp and the preseason from more than just the summer heat.
Priority: Medium-low
What are your thoughts on Keldric Faulk? Should the Browns use a first-round pick on a defensive end with so many other roster issues? Let us know in the comments!
