When NFL insider Peter Schrager linked Alabama guard Tyler Booker to the Dallas Cowboys just before the 2025 draft, it sent shockwaves through the fanbase. The pick, which many saw as a reach, proved accurate, leaving supporters wary of Schrager's prognostications. Now, with the 2026 NFL Draft on the horizon, he's at it again, hinting at a selection that could test the patience of Cowboys Nation.
The name causing the stir is Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk. A towering presence at 6-foot-5, 276 pounds, Faulk is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward prospect. For a franchise and its fans still stung by past draft gambles that failed to pan out, this potential pick hits a nerve.
On one hand, the allure is undeniable. Ranked as the fourth-best edge player by analyst Dane Brugler, Faulk possesses the raw size and athleticism scouts dream of. His intangibles—work ethic and leadership—are frequently praised, making him a tantalizing project for any team willing to develop his immense potential.
However, the caution flags are flying. Media evaluators have tagged Faulk as a "buyer beware" candidate in this draft cycle. The production simply hasn't matched the physical gifts; with only seven combined tackles for loss and sacks in 2025, his splash play rate fell short of the typical benchmark for a first-round edge rusher. The concern is that he remains raw and unproven against elite competition.
Schrager's insight suggests the Cowboys' front office is seriously considering Faulk, whether at pick 12 or 20. This strategy—betting heavily on traits over proven production—is a familiar, and often frustrating, path for Dallas. It echoes the 2024 selection of tackle Tyler Guyton, another pick based on projected upside that initially divided the fanbase.
For a team perpetually in "win-now" mode, drafting a project player can feel like a luxury they cannot afford. The potential for a multi-year development process, especially for a pass rusher tasked with invigorating the defense, is a tough sell to a passionate fanbase hungry for immediate championship contention. If the Cowboys call Faulk's name, they'll be banking on his ceiling, knowing full well the floor could leave their supporters seeing red.