The Tennessee Titans are a winless 0-4 after the opening quarter of the 2026 season. Robert Saleh's squad has been competitive, suffering three straight one-possession losses. Nonetheless, they are contending for the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Developing the young core of the roster remains at the forefront of Saleh's priorities. The Titans' rookie class from the 2026 NFL Draft has now played four games. Today, we're assessing and grading how they've played so far.
We're only handing grades out to Titans rookies who have played significant snaps. Pat Coogan, Jaren Kanak (IR), and Jackie Marshall do not qualify. Let's analyze!
Grading every Titans rookie after the first quarter of the 2026 season
WR Carnell Tate
Titans rookie receiver Carnell Tate ranks 15th in the NFL in receiving yards, and ranks second among rookies. The former Ohio State standout had a breakout game in Week 4 against the Baltimore Ravens, registering nine catches for 145 yards. Tate is emerging as the No. 1 target for quarterback Cam Ward by running strong routes. Grade: A-
DE Keldric Faulk
The Titans are slowly increasing Keldric Faulk's workload. After playing roughly 25% of the defense's snap count in Weeks 1 and 2, his involvement increased to about 36% in Weeks 3 and 4. Faulk also recorded his first career sack on a well-designed looping stunt versus the New York Giants. He's progressing as expected. Grade: C+
LB Anthony Hill Jr.
Rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. has been a total revelation. The former Texas standout ranks third in the NFL in tackles (42). Hill has played every single Titans defensive snap this season (271). He's been a sideline-to-sideline specimen, showcasing athleticism both as a run and coverage defender. Trading up for him looks like it was absolutely the right decision. Grade: A
IOL Fernando Carmona
It's a huge shame Fernando Carmona was placed on IR after Week 3. The rookie guard surprisingly won the right-sided job out of training camp and played three impressive regular-season games before needing to undergo surgery for an injured ankle. The Titans are hoping Carmona will return at some point. He was playing like the long-term solution they needed at right guard. Grade: B
RB Nicholas Singleton
Rookie running back Nicholas Singleton has earned just 14 offensive snaps. He's struggled in pass protection, losing assignments or getting whistled for penalties. He's rushed for just 12 yards via seven carries (1.7 YPC), showing a lack of vision and creativity. Singleton needs to improve in several areas before the Titans can trust him to replace Tony Pollard and/or Tyjae Spears. Grade: D
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