ESPN projects the next Auburn Tiger to be taken in the NFL draft

TL;DR

Keldric Faulk was the first Auburn Tiger selected in the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 31 by the Tennessee Titans. ESPN projects Keyron Crawford to be picked by the Miami Dolphins at No. 87 and Connor Lew by the Houston Texans at No. 91.

Key points

Keldric Faulk was drafted No. 31 by the Tennessee Titans.
Keyron Crawford is projected to be selected No. 87 by the Miami Dolphins.
Connor Lew is expected to be picked No. 91 by the Houston Texans.
Crawford had 58 tackles and five sacks at Auburn.
The Dolphins need an EDGE rusher.

Tennessee TitansMiami DolphinsHouston TexansKeldric Faulk

ESPN projects the next Auburn Tiger to be taken in the NFL draft

The first night of the 2026 NFL Draft saw the first Auburn Tiger come off the board in Keldric Faulk, who went No. 31 overall to the Tennessee Titans. Now that one Tiger has been claimed, how many more dominoes will fall on Day 2?

Shortly after the dust settled on Day 1 of the NFL draft, ESPN's Matt Miller compiled a mock draft for Rounds 2 and 3 ahead of Friday's action, which included two Auburn Tigers. Miller expects the next Auburn selection to come in Round 3, when the Miami Dolphins select Keyron Crawford with the No. 87 overall selection. Auburn fans will not have to wait too long for its third pick, as the Houston Texans are projected to select Connor Lew just five picks later at No. 91 overall.

Crawford logged 58 tackles over his two seasons at Auburn, with five sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception. Crawford created 43 pressures and missed just 11 tackles in 616 snaps last season, and earned a respectable 85.8 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. Miller points out that the Dolphins need a boost at EDGE rusher, but don't be surprised if franchises such as the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, call upon Crawford to fill a need.

Connor Lew has started 25 games at center for Auburn over three years before an ACL injury cut his junior season short in 2025. He made the most of his time by allowing just three sacks and 16 pressures in over 1,600 snaps for . The Texans are projected to take Lew with their 3rd round pick, but other franchises such as the Cleveland Browns, , and could also use the services of Lew.

Q&A

Who was the first Auburn Tiger drafted in 2026 NFL Draft?

Keldric Faulk was the first Auburn Tiger selected, going No. 31 overall to the Tennessee Titans.

Which teams are projected to select Keyron Crawford and Connor Lew?

Keyron Crawford is projected to be selected by the Miami Dolphins at No. 87, while Connor Lew is expected to be picked by the Houston Texans at No. 91.

What were Keyron Crawford's stats during his time at Auburn?

Keyron Crawford logged 58 tackles, five sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception over two seasons at Auburn.

What position does Keyron Crawford play and why do the Dolphins need him?

Keyron Crawford plays as an EDGE rusher, and the Dolphins need a boost in this position.