The Detroit Lions may end up targeting a pass rusher with room to grow in Auburn standout Keldric Faulk, and it may be even sweeter if they use the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to make sure that he doesn't land on one of their more hated rivals in the division.
FanSided's interactive 2026 NFL Draft Big Board, which features both a Top 50 prospect ranking and a top-five ranking for individual teams, ranked Faulk as one of the top five players on the Detroit big board. They aren't the only NFC North team with eyes on this particular prize.
Bear Goggles On, FanSided's home for everything Chicago Bears, also listed Faulk as one of the top players for them at No. 25 overall. Faulk's skillset is ideal for the Lions and the Bears, making Detroit snatching him up even better for fans.
FanSided Big Board has Keldric Faulk ranked as top for for Lions and Bears
Faulk is a unique player, for better or worse. While he looked like a lock for the top five after tallying seven sacks in the 2024 season, Faulk only managed two in the past season while flatlining as a pass rusher. Is he still worth a top pick off a down year?
Faulk's movement skills at 285 pounds paired with some of the best run defense in this class make him an ideal end for a 3-4 or 4-3 scheme, though the latter scheme can help him kick inside on passing downs.
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Aidan Hutchinson will always be the big dog in this defense, but unless DJ Wonnum suddenly becomes Lawrence Taylor, the Lions will need to endure yet another season with a toothless pass rush outside of No. 97. Faulk and Tyleik Williams would immediately set this defensive line up for success in the future.
If the Lions decide to pass on Faulk (or if he isn't on the board), the SLR top-five included Miami's Akheem Mesidor as a possible fallout option. Offensive tackles remain at the tip of everyone's tongue, with Georgia's Monroe Freeling and Alabama's Kadyn Proctor standing out as two possible selections at No. 17.
Faulk would not only give the Lions a pass rusher that can really kick things up a notch next to Hutchinson while offering some quality versatility, but they could end up depriving a Bears team in need of some defensive line help in the worst way of one of their top available targets.
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