The Washington Commanders are preparing to select Auburn defensive lineman Keldric Faulk in the 2025 NFL Draft, aiming to address significant defensive weaknesses, with NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein projecting Faulk as their top choice at pick No. 7. The team’s poor defensive statistics and the need for a new “Daron Payne replacement defender” have prompted this anticipated move to strengthen their defensive line immediately.
Weaknesses in Washington’s Defense Highlight Need for Change
Washington’s defense struggled throughout the recent season, ranking 20th or worse across seven key defensive categories. The team also placed 30th in PFSN’s NFL Defense Impact Rankings, which evaluate efficiency and production. Opponents frequently exploited the Commanders’ defensive line, surpassing 150 rushing yards in eight games and topping 250 total yards in nine contests. These persistent struggles emphasize the urgency to bring in a player like Faulk, who could inject fresh energy and skill to the unit.
“Faulk has impressive size, can play in odd or even fronts and is still filling out his frame. The upside trumps the unremarkable 2025 production.”
— Lance Zierlein, NFL Analyst
Faulk’s Versatility Matches New Defensive Strategy
Under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, who follows Brian Flores’ coaching philosophy, the Commanders aim to implement a flexible defensive scheme similar to what Jones successfully ran in Minnesota. A key feature of this system is player versatility, allowing defenders to shift among multiple roles. Faulk’s ability to line up in all positions on a base 3-4 defensive front fits this approach well.
Last season at Auburn, Faulk took 599 snaps with 142 as a down lineman, filling roles from five-technique end to a traditional 4-3 end. He’s also familiar with standing positions such as the LEO or even outside linebacker. On passing downs, his quickness was utilized inside as a three-technique, demonstrating his agility despite weighing 285 pounds—making him strong enough to handle powerful guards while using his quickness and long arms to challenge offensive tackles effectively.
“Keldric Faulk is a day 1 dominator on early downs. Teams rarely run the ball at him and when they try, they almost always fail.”
— NFL Draft Files, Analyst
Attributes Aligned with Jones’ Demand for Aggressive Play
Daronte Jones emphasized a defense that plays with relentless aggression when he joined Washington, and Faulk exemplifies that intensity. Film review shows Faulk’s skill in shedding blockers using strong hands and his capability to bull rush opponents, pushing them backward as he penetrates the backfield. This physical, high-violence style will be essential in Jones’ defensive vision, which relies heavily on blitzing to disrupt offenses.
The scheme leverages chaos generated by defender pressure, requiring offensive lines to make difficult blocking decisions. By focusing attention on Faulk, the Commanders hope to create gaps for other rushers and increase opportunities for forcing turnovers such as strip-sacks.
Drafting Faulk Likely Signals a Shift Away from Payne
Daron Payne, who remains under contract in 2025 with a $22.4 million salary, may be phased out as the Commanders look to rebuild their defensive front. The team could use this season to gradually transition Faulk into a larger role alongside Jer’Zhan Newton, forming a dynamic trio that could confuse opposing offenses. Payne’s recent production has declined since his standout 11.5-sack 2022 season, accumulating just 11 sacks over the following years, raising questions about his value relative to his high cost.
While Faulk’s athletic testing numbers are impressive, his technique occasionally falters, relying heavily on raw athleticism to win matchups. The transition year will offer him valuable experience working with Payne and Newton, accelerating his development into a consistent pass-rushing threat.
Despite other pressing needs like safety and wide receiver, passing on a player who can significantly strengthen the defensive line might be too costly for the Commanders, given their defensive struggles and Jones’ aggressive approach.
Washington’s quest to integrate Faulk into their defense could reshape their front substantially, setting a foundation for improved performance in the coming seasons while preparing for Payne’s eventual departure.
Keldric Faulk’s 2nd sack of the series pic.twitter.com/6fd0VUOLjP
— Power of Dixieland (@PwrofDixieland) September 7, 2024
Keldric Faulk is a day 1 dominator on early downs
Teams rarely run the ball at him and when they try, they almost always fail pic.twitter.com/NlZUGPBQ5E
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 13, 2026
