The Kansas City Chiefs selected Ashton Gillotte last year with the hope that the Louisville product would develop into a starter alongside George Karlaftis. Gillotte made limited contributions as a rookie and should not prevent the Chiefs from exploring prospects with greater potential in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Auburn Tigers defensive end Keldric Faulk is still early in his development as a pure pass rusher but has a high floor in run defense and a ceiling raised by his unique physical gifts. At 6'5 7/8", 276 lbs. with 34 3/8" arms and an 82 1/4" wingspan, Faulk is one of the largest defensive ends in the 2026 NFL Draft. His traits and play strength make it possible for him to reduce inside as a 3-tech for limited stretches.

Faulk uses his long arms to pry up the offensive tackle’s pad level and walk the lineman into the pocket. His arms combine with his bull rush to pry open the B-gap too. Faulk’s pass rush plan consists of cross-chops, long-arms, spins and swims. That’s a pretty thin arsenal compared to other projected first round selections, and it shows on tape.

Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk isn't going to post a bunch of quick wins as a pass rusher, but his play strength, motor, physical tools, and run defense make him a high-floor prospect. Here are some of his best moments against Oklahoma. #NFLDraft #NFLDraft2026 #2026NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/zynOfHfiQW

Faulk, with his limited pass rush moves and high-cut frame, generates inconsistent pass rush production. He lacks the bend to drop his hips and corner at a high level, which forces him to fall back on winning through the B-gap or through the offensive tackle’s frame. He needs to play with a lower pad level to really roll power through his hips and generate displacement early in the rep.

Faulk is still developing counters and his ability to string together rush moves, but his upper body delivers enough pop to generate some quick pressures.

Faulk’s contributions in run defense set his immediate value and floor as an NFL player. He is a dense, powerful athlete with the anchor to halt and stack linemen at the point of attack. His anchor and balance make him difficult to displace. Faulk sets a reliable edge and flashes violent block shedding ability.

Keldric Faulk is a massive, powerful athlete who is dominant as a run defender pic.twitter.com/KIjGNO6Cus

Faulk’s length and play strength help him deliver pop on contact and generate immediate separation. He quickly stacks and sheds blocks but also displays the ability to slip block attempts for potential tackles for loss. Faulk combines his motor with his natural feel for navigating blocks and space to impact plays.

Faulk is a project, but he doesn’t turn 21 years old until the fall. Miami Hurricanes defensive end Akheem Mesidor is also a projected first round selection, but he turns 25 this year. There is a long runway before Faulk reaches his prime, but he provides the ability to contribute immediately because of his work against the run.

This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft scouting report: Auburn Tigers DE Keldric Faulk