ESPN analyst Field Yates' latest mock draft projects the San Francisco 49ers selecting former Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk at No. 27 overall. With pass rush viewed as a major need, the fit makes sense after the defense managed just 20 sacks last season—the fewest in the NFL.
While the 49ers expect a boost from the returns of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams, both are coming off ACL injuries, adding uncertainty to the unit.
"Faulk is an intriguing prospect whose tape was better in 2024 than 2025 (7.0 sacks compared with 2.0, respectively)," Yates wrote in his mock draft. "But his skill set is too good to ignore: He's 6-6, 276 pounds with positional versatility and stout run defense. A defensive line coach will see the potential to develop Faulk into a much more consistent rusher, as he won't turn 21 until September."
Yates expanded on Faulk's appeal during an appearance on the 49ers Talk podcast with NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco, reiterating why the Auburn standout could be a strong match for San Francisco at No. 27.
He acknowledged Faulk's statistical dip in 2025 but emphasized his age, physical tools, and character.
"Two years ago, was a very impressive player as a true sophomore for Auburn, has some of the best football character," Yates said. "His character, period, in this class, he's a super—like just a great young man. That stuff matters in the evaluation process, so I think he's got a chance to be one of those guys that—the feeling is he might slide out of the first round. And then, could he go 20th or 27th? It wouldn't surprise me."
Yates also mentioned several other potential pass-rushing targets for the 49ers at No. 27.
One is former Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell, though evaluators have concerns about his length.
"Cashius Howell, 30 1/2-inch arms," Yates said. "That's historically short for an edge rusher to go in the first round. But man, can he rush. Eleven-and-a-half sacks last season, SEC Defensive Player of the Year."
Another name to watch is former Missouri defensive end Zion Young.
"Zion Young, Missouri, six-and-a-half sacks last season, had a late-season arrest, which teams have got to get really comfortable with where that was at," Yates said. "But a powerful player—was a defensive tackle early in his college career at Michigan State, who kind of changed his body and became more of an edge rusher.
"Kind of good across the board in terms of measurables. Not a dominant athlete, though, not a superior first-step quickness. The Niners, at least to my eyes, have traditionally favored these guys who can be behind-the-line-of-scrimmage disruptors. A little bit less of that in the profile of Zion Young. A little bit more of that in the profile of a guy like Cashius Howell."
Yates admits he is also high on former Oklahoma defensive end R Mason Thomas, whom he ranked No. 24 on his big board.
"Just a maximum, full-tilt player," Yates said, though he noted Thomas did not test as strongly as some hoped at the NFL Scouting Combine.
"He plays faster than he tests, and he's tenacious," Yates added.
Thomas finished last season with 6.5 sacks and totaled 15.5 over his final two collegiate years.
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