Patriots Eyeing Auburn Pass Rusher Keldric Faulk in 2026 NFL Draft
The New England Patriots have had a promising start to the 2025 season, but they’re not without areas that need improvement. After struggling to a four-win season in 2024, the Patriots could still be looking to plug some holes on their roster, particularly in the defensive line.
As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, many believe New England will focus on adding firepower to their defensive front. According to Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network, the Patriots may use their first-round pick (No. 30) to select Auburn’s pass rusher Keldric Faulk.
“The New England Patriots have probably been the biggest surprise of the NFL season and sit atop the AFC,” Sanchez said on Sunday. “This offense appears to be headed in the right direction under Drake Maye. So with that being the case, Mike Vrabel opts to draft edge rusher Keldric Faulk to add more firepower in the defensive trenches, giving the team a way to maintain leads by applying pressure to the quarterback.”
Keldric Faulk’s Ups and Downs
Faulk, who has been with Auburn for three seasons, entered the 2025 campaign with high expectations. However, his production has dipped this season. With just two sacks and five tackles for loss through 10 games, Faulk’s numbers have fallen significantly from last year, when he tallied seven sacks in 12 games. Despite this, he remains one of the top pass rushers in this draft class.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler recently ranked Faulk as the fourth overall prospect for the 2026 Draft and the No. 1 edge rusher. According to Brugler, Faulk’s potential is evident despite his underwhelming stats this season.
“Because of the way Auburn deploys him, Faulk doesn’t post gaudy backfield numbers (just two sacks in 10 games this season),” Brugler wrote. “But, at 6 feet 6 and 270 pounds, he regularly impacts the game with power behind his hands to create movement, detach from blockers, and find the football.”
A High Ceiling for Faulk
While Faulk's numbers may not jump off the page this season, his physical tools and skill set remain elite. Standing at 6'6" and weighing 270 pounds, he combines size with power and agility to be a disruptive force. As Brugler points out, Faulk is still one of the youngest players eligible for this draft, and with continued development, he could become one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL.
For the Patriots, adding a player like Faulk would give them a dynamic weapon to pair with their already impressive defense. With the ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and provide an edge in late-game situations, Faulk’s development could be key to New England's long-term success.
Looking Ahead
Despite Faulk’s mixed performance this season, the Patriots may view him as a high-ceiling prospect, with the tools to make an immediate impact at the next level. If New England’s defensive line is to continue evolving into one of the league’s best, adding a powerful edge rusher like Faulk could be a step in the right direction.
Travis Kelce Shocks Fans: Says Taylor Swift Might Need a Bulletproof Vest at Arrowhead!
Arrowhead Stadium is no longer just the home of the Kansas City Chiefs—it’s quickly becoming one of the most tightly secured venues in sports, especially when Taylor Swift is in the stands cheering for fiancé Travis Kelce. Following last week’s shocking murder of Charlie Kirk, fans have grown increasingly concerned about the pop superstar’s safety, and new details are adding fuel to the fire.
Reports claim that Swift was seen watching a recent Chiefs game from behind a protective barrier, which many fans online speculated could even be bulletproof. The rumors spread like wildfire, sparking intense debate over just how much security is needed whenever the world’s biggest pop icon steps foot in Arrowhead.
Kelce himself has now spoken out, admitting he’s more protective than ever.
“I told my guys, keep eyes on her 24/7. That’s priority number one,” he revealed.
The NFL star even joked about the extreme measures he’s been considering, though his words carried a serious undertone.
“I told Tay she might need a bulletproof vest when she comes to Arrowhead. That’s how locked in we are about keeping her safe.”
With Swift’s presence consistently drawing massive crowds and heightened media attention, Kelce knows the stakes are higher than ever. He added:
“I know how rowdy her fans can get. And I’m not letting anything come before her safety.”
Unsurprisingly, Kelce’s remarks went viral within hours, with Swifties and Chiefs Kingdom alike sharing both concern and admiration. Some fans argue that the security measures are simply standard precautions for someone of Swift’s global fame, while others believe the NFL and Arrowhead may now need to implement unprecedented lockdown-level protections.
Either way, one thing is crystal clear: Travis Kelce’s devotion to Taylor Swift extends far beyond the spotlight. His fierce determination to protect her at all costs is now part of the couple’s ever-growing legend—a love story unfolding not just on stages and sidelines, but under the glare of cameras and the watchful eyes of millions.
For Chiefs fans, Swifties, and the sports world at large, Kelce’s latest comments are a reminder that sometimes, even inside the roar of a stadium, the greatest battle is making sure the people you love stay safe.
