When it comes to top end talent, there’s arguably no better position group on Auburn’s roster than defensive end.

It’s led by Keldric Faulk, who projects as a first round NFL Draft pick in 2026 and is the group’s top returner. When talking about edge rushers, this story will include the five-technique down linemen and buck linebackers who are used primarily as pass rushers.

Those two groups are relatively deep, but the buck position will look different in 2025 after losing Jalen McLeod to the NFL.

Here’s a closer look at Auburn’s edge rushers going into 2025.

Players

*Keyron Crawford — Senior

Chris Murray — Senior, Sam Houston State transfer

*Keldric Faulk — Junior

Amaris Williams — Sophomore

Jamonta Waller — Redshirt freshman

Joe Phillips — Redshirt freshman

Jared Smith — Freshman

*Indicates projected starter

What to know

The best way to sort this preview is by separating the down linemen from the outside linebackers. The former is the smaller group and arguably the more talented.

Faulk leads the way and is undoubtedly the team’s best pass rusher. Listed at 6-foot-6, 285 pounds, he has the versatility to rush the passer off the edge and kick inside on certain downs.

He was second on the team in sacks last season with seven, trailing only McLeod. While Faulk didn’t always finish plays with the quarterback on the ground, his ability to create pressure made him dangerous.

Faulk ranked eighth in the Southeastern Conference in total pressures last season and third among SEC players returning in 2025. He won’t be catching anyone by surprise this season, but Faulk will still be a lot for any offense to handle.

“I want to be 10 times the player I was last year, this year. All of my stats from last year, I want to double,” Faulk said at SEC Media Days. “All of the accolades, I want more. I want to be an even better player than I was last year.”

Williams and Smith are the two underclassmen behind Faulk in the depth chart, and Williams seems to be the clear backup as of now. He got a handful of snaps as a freshman in 2024 and showed some promise at times as a former five-star recruit.

With Faulk and Williams ahead of him on the depth chart, it’s hard to say before fall camp starts what kind of role Smith will have in 2025. He was Auburn’s second-highest ranked signee from this freshman class, according to the 247Sports composite, and showed his ability to be disruptive during spring.

At the Buck position, there’s some competition for the starting spot, but a clear difference between the top group and the reserves. Crawford and Murray are the two who will compete for that spot, but regardless of who starts, the pair will likely account for the majority of the snaps.

Crawford is familiar to the room after playing significant snaps behind McLeod last year, but Murray is more than capable. Crawford didn’t tally any sacks in 2024, but finished third on the team in pressures with 26.

Murray finished 2024 with five and a half sacks and ranked third in Conference USA in pressures. His production was impressive, but the step up in competition to the SEC will be steep.

Similar to Smith at the other defensive end spot, Waller and Phillips will likely play reserve roles this season. Both redshirted last season, but have potential to make an impact later in their careers.

Waller was a top 100 player out of high school, but missed most of the 2024 season due to a foot injury. How he handles the reps that do come his way in 2025 will likely determine his future with the program.

Peter Rauterkus covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @peter_rauterkus or email him at [email protected]m