New England Patriots and HC Mike Vrabel find defensive difference maker with diverse skill set in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
The New England Patriots land defensive difference maker in latest 2026 NFL mock draft.
Head coach Mike Vrabel made his return to New England this offseason, and now he’s tasked with improving the Patriots roster, and quickly. There are holes throughout the roster, but there are still some parts to be excited about, including having your franchise quarterback in Drake Maye in place. Finding more high level talent is extremely important.
I think everyone who has been following this situation understands that the Patriots are not a quick rebuild. The 2025 NFL season will provide a huge opportunity to set a foundation, and continue building. From there, next offseason, including the 2026 NFL Draft to continue building up the roster.
In a recent 2026 NFL Draft from myself, and fellow A to Z Sports analyst Destin Adams, the New England Patriots selected with the No. 11 overall selection. If you don’t like that slot, blame the latest ESPN Super Bowl odds, or the previous Patriots regime for letting this roster get to such a rough spot.
Regardless of the disappointment for where they are selecting, New England was able to get one of the very best overall players in the class while selecting Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk. Here’s what I had to say about Faulk’s potential fit with the Patriots.
11. New England Patriots: Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
Is there a cleaner scheme fit for the Patriots scheme than Faulk? At 6-6 and 288 pounds, he is an impressive athlete who makes his living off of the edge, but he can also reduce down as a pass rusher as well. The movement skills for a player of Faulk’s size is rare. His game is very reminiscent of Buffalo Bills standout Gregory Rousseau, but he is an even bigger and more explosive version.
Quite simply, Faulk is a pretty rare athlete for a player his size. When you watch him move, you wouldn’t expect him to be anywhere close to 6-6 and 288 pounds. That combination of size and athleticism allows Faulk to play on the edge in base downs, but have the length and pass rush skills to be a terror when he reduces down and rushes inside. That alignment versatility is something to behold.
As a true sophomore in 2024, Faulk managed to record 45 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and one forced fumble. There is an expectation that Faulk takes a substantial jump as a junior in 2025. If he does, there’s a chance that Faulk might not be in this spot for New England in this hypothetical world.
If you have followed the “Patriot Way” that was established by Bill Belichick, New England has valued versatile defensive linemen that can play in multiple fronts. No matter what defense you want to play, Faulk has the talent to play in it, and be a substantial performer while doing it.
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