As the Miami Dolphins prepare to make their selection at No. 11 in the upcoming NFL Draft, the direction they’ll take remains wide open. But if you ask longtime draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., there’s one name that makes a lot of sense: Keldric Faulk, the edge rusher out of Auburn.
Let’s unpack why Faulk might be a strong fit in Miami-and why this pick could signal a shift in defensive philosophy under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
A Defensive Identity in the Making
While the quarterback situation in Miami is still up in the air-Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the team hasn’t been cemented-Kiper doesn’t see the Dolphins reaching for a signal-caller at No. 11. Specifically, he notes that Alabama’s Ty Simpson would be a stretch at that spot, even if Miami were inclined to go in that direction.
Instead, the focus turns to defense, which aligns with Hafley’s coaching background. Known for his defensive acumen, Hafley is likely to want a cornerstone player to help build out his scheme. And with Miami’s edge-rushing situation in flux, that’s where Faulk enters the picture.
A Changing Edge Room
Miami’s defensive front could look very different in 2024. The team dealt Jaelan Phillips at the trade deadline, and Bradley Chubb-who carries no guaranteed money on his contract moving forward-could be a cap casualty this offseason. That opens the door for a youth movement off the edge.
In Kiper’s view, pairing Faulk with former Penn State standout Chop Robinson could give the Dolphins a long-term solution at a premium position. Robinson brings the burst, Faulk brings the power-and together, they could be the kind of dynamic duo that gives AFC East quarterbacks nightmares for years to come.
Faulk’s Resume: Production Meets Potential
Keldric Faulk isn’t just a projection pick-he’s got the production to back up his draft stock. After earning a starting role as a true freshman at Auburn in 2023, Faulk never looked back. He was a consistent force on the Tigers’ defensive line for three straight seasons, culminating in a breakout campaign in 2024.
This past season, Faulk racked up 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and a forced fumble. According to Pro Football Focus, he also ranked eighth in the SEC with 45 total pressures-an impressive mark in one of college football’s most competitive conferences.
Over his three-year college career, Faulk totaled 73 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Those numbers, combined with his physical tools and high motor, make him a compelling option for a team looking to reload on the edge.
Why No. 11 Makes Sense
Kiper had Faulk ranked 16th overall on his big board, so selecting him at No. 11 might seem like a slight reach on paper. But context matters. With edge rushers flying off the board early in recent drafts and Miami’s need for a defensive playmaker growing, the Dolphins may not want to wait.
Faulk checks a lot of boxes: he’s productive, experienced, physically gifted, and plays a position of high value. If Miami is serious about building a defense that can compete with the firepower in the AFC, investing in a player like Faulk could be a major step in that direction.
As the draft inches closer, there’s still plenty that could change. But if Kiper’s projection holds any weight, Dolphins fans might want to start getting familiar with Keldric Faulk-a name that could be called early on draft night, and one that might just anchor Miami’s defensive future.