Two Auburn Tigers Crack PFF’s 2026 NFL Draft Big Board
Auburn football is making waves in the early projections for the 2026 NFL Draft, with two standout players earning spots on Pro Football Focus’s (PFF) Top 200 Big Board. Edge rusher Keldric Faulk and center Connor Lew have been recognized for their exceptional performances, signaling a promising future for both athletes and the Auburn program.
Keldric Faulk: Auburn’s Defensive Powerhouse
Keldric Faulk, an imposing 6-foot-6, 270-pound edge rusher, has been a cornerstone of Auburn’s defense since his freshman year. In the 2024 season, Faulk started all 12 games, recording seven sacks—placing him among the top ten in the SEC—alongside 11 tackles for loss and 45 total tackles. His freshman year saw him earn All-SEC Freshman honors with 35 tackles and one sack in eight starts.
PFF awarded Faulk an impressive 83.8 player grade for the season, making him the second-highest-graded returning edge rusher in the SEC. His combination of size, agility, and consistent performance has caught the attention of NFL scouts, with USA TODAY Sports projecting him as a mid-first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Connor Lew: The Anchor of Auburn’s Offensive Line
Center Connor Lew has demonstrated remarkable reliability and skill since his debut. In the 2024 season, Lew started every game, earning recognition as PFF’s 20th-best center. Over 442 pass-blocking snaps, he allowed just one sack and nine pressures, showcasing his effectiveness in protecting the quarterback. His freshman year performance was equally impressive, as he played in nine games without allowing a single sack, earning All-SEC Freshman honors.
Lew’s technical proficiency and consistency have positioned him as a top interior lineman prospect. His presence on the field has been instrumental in stabilizing Auburn’s offensive line, providing a solid foundation for the team’s offensive strategies.
Auburn’s Resurgence in NFL Draft Prospects
The inclusion of Faulk and Lew in PFF’s Top 200 Big Board signifies a resurgence for Auburn in producing NFL-caliber talent. The program has not seen a first-round draft pick since 2020, but the projections for Faulk suggest that this drought may soon end. Their recognition also reflects the effectiveness of Auburn’s coaching staff in developing players capable of competing at the highest levels.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 college football season approaches, both Faulk and Lew are expected to play pivotal roles in Auburn’s campaign. Their performances will not only impact the team’s success but also their individual draft stocks. With the season opener against Baylor on August 29, all eyes will be on these two athletes as they continue to showcase their talents on the national stage.
Auburn fans and NFL scouts alike will be watching closely, anticipating the contributions of Faulk and Lew as they solidify their positions as top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.
