The Vikings are projected to select Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, moving away from the previously favored Dillon Thieneman. This pick could indicate a shift in the team's defensive strategy and potential changes in their roster.
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in Pittsburgh next week, a city that could be where the Vikings select the next star they add to their roster in hopes of righting the proverbial ship. Before then, though, there will be plenty of speculation and buildup for the team and who they may add to the roster through the draft. Thankfully, we now have some added context for players now that the scouting combine has come and gone.
CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles recently released the latest 2026 NFL mock draft of the cycle, which has the team going with a name off the path of Dillon Thieneman. He has them selecting Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk as a new project for the Vikings' defensive line and Brian Flores to shape up.
Pereles explains the Faulk pick, writing, "Safety Dillon Thieneman has been an overwhelmingly popular mock draft choice here, especially with Harrison Smith's potential retirement on the table. But I'd be really intrigued by the Vikings taking Faulk, who is a hulking 6-6 and 276 pounds and oozes talent. He'd add some serious disruptive abilities up front. Given the Vikings have shopped Jonathan Greenard, this could be a good fit."
Faulk coming in would perhaps signal that the team would be moving on from Jonathan Greenard during the draft. Otherwise, it would also be a sign that perhaps they do not plan to extend Andrew Van Ginkel who is going to be a free agent in 2027.
Someone will be left in the cold if the pick is Faulk, just a matter of who.
This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: NFL Mock Draft: Keldric Faulk the latest Vikings projected pick
Keldric Faulk is an Auburn edge rusher known for his size and disruptive abilities, making him a strong candidate for the Vikings as they look to enhance their defensive line.
Selecting Keldric Faulk may suggest that the Vikings are considering moving on from Jonathan Greenard, who has been on the trade block.
Faulk's talent and size could significantly enhance the Vikings' defensive capabilities, potentially reshaping their approach under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
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