By now, the Chicago Bears' need for an edge rusher is obvious, and the 2026 NFL Draft presents a prime opportunity to address the matter. Auburn standout Keldric Faulk has emerged as a popular name among fans and experts alike, though the NFC North rival Detroit Lions could complicate matters.
Faulk figures to hear his name called in the first round; it's just a matter of when. The Bears are hoping they at least have the option to take him No. 25 overall. However, he's listed on both Chicago and Detroit's shortlist of targets on FanSided's Big Board — and the Lions hold the 17th pick.
See the problem here?
Bears could miss out on Auburn EDGE Keldric Faulk to NFC North rival Lions
Detroit has seemingly had Faulk on its radar for quite some time. He's reportedly been tabbed as someone who "fits their culture," on and off the field. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old has recently been mocked to Chicago by prominent Bears insider Brad Biggs.
It sounds like there might be a race for Faulk's services, with a pair of division foes firmly in the mix. The Bears and Lions, among other clubs, can both greatly benefit from adding a high-profile prospect of his caliber. But at the end of the day, only one team will ultimately be able to claim him as theirs.
While Faulk's production declined in his final campaign at Auburn in 2025, the measurables are ostensibly too great to ignore. He has elite size (6-foot-6, 276 pounds with 34-plus-inch arms) and a solid blend of speed and explosiveness. An outstandingly imposing physical profile can cover up for a fine-but-not-great collegiate résumé.
Across 12 games last season, Faulk recorded 29 tackles (five for loss), four pass deflections, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. He showcased the versatility that makes him such an intriguing player, even in a down year. His efforts yielded a 75.8 Pro Football Focus overall grade, good for 182nd among 852 qualified edge defenders, posting an especially exceptional run-defense mark (85.5).
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For what it's worth, there's a decent chance neither the Bears nor the Lions end up with Faulk. He mans a premium position, so it's not far-fetched to think another squad snags him earlier. His place in FanSided's rankings (16th) validates that notion.
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