Keldric Faulk Would be Strong Option in Round 1

Keldric Faulk Would be Strong Option in Round 1

Coming into 2025, the Dolphins’ edge group seemed like it would be a strength of the defense.

With the return of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips from long-term injuries, the signing of veteran Matthew Judon, and the continued emergence of Chop Robinson, Miami seemed set at the position.

Fast forward a year later, and the edge group looks like a weak link at the position, as just Robinson remains.

Even so, Robinson, who looked like a dominant edge rusher for years to come, regressed in year two, which leaves question marks about whether year one was a flash in the pan for the former Nittany Lion.

Entering 2026, the Dolphins will be employing a new defensive scheme under Head Coach Jeff Hafley.

Hafley will reportedly employ a “wide-9” scheme on the edge, meaning the edge defenders will play the 9 technique, which is lined up outside the tackle.

A perfect example of a “wide-9” defender would be Cameron Wake, who terrorized both tight ends and offensive tackles a lot when he would line up in almost a sprinter stance and use his unique ability to bend off the edge and quickly get to the quarterback.

In his two seasons in charge of the Packers’ defense, Hafley had players such as Rashan Gary and Micah Parsons to get to the quarterback.

Along with their ability to pressure the quarterback, Hafley will also ask his edge defenders to be stout against the run, which is where someone like Keldric Faulk emerges as a first-round option.

Faulk, who is 6’6, 285, could be the perfect combo for Hafley as someone who sets the edge on rush downs and then could use his length to also rush the passer.

On third-and-longs, Faulk could also shift down inside and rush the passer as he would be a mismatch against offensive guards.

There is also another bonus to drafting Faulk in the first round.

He will turn 21 years old during the 2026 season.

That would put Faulk in line with young defensive linemen in Miami such as Robinson, Kenneth Grant, and Jordan Phillips.

I would not be expect Faulk and the rest of the group to be a dominant force in 2026, but as they grow and develop, they could be one of the defensive lines in football in 2027 and beyond.