When the NFL Draft started off in Round 1, you just knew that the Tennessee Titans were going to select a defensive player sooner than later. Even though they went heavy on defense in free agency, Robert Saleh is looking to turn this defense around and make it a powerhouse within the league.
Instead of taking edge rusher/linebacker Arvell Reese at No. 4, the Titans decided to give Cam Ward help by drafting wide receiver Carnell Tate. The Titans needed to help Ward and giving him a dynamic wideout was the right move, especially since Jeremiyah Love had been drafted one spot earlier by the Arizona Cardinals.
However, instead of letting the first round play out until the end, the Titans traded back up to the 31st overall pick, gaining the pick from the Buffalo Bills to land Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk. Now, Faulk isn't exactly the pure pass-rusher you want an edge rusher to be, but he is fantastic at run-support.
Titans fans get great reassurance about Keldric Faulk selection
With Tennessee already bringing in pass rushers via trades and free agency, drafting Faulk gives them an option in situations where they need to stop the run. Not to mention, the Titans now have the 5th-year option of his rookie deal so if he performs well, the Titans got themselves a steal on a cheap rookie deal.
Adam Rittenberg from ESPN had the chance to speak with head coaches and coordinators in every Power 4 conference where he gained some intel on players that were drafted, and there were comments made about Faulk that should have Titans fans excited for what he could bring to Nashville.
"He's powerful, he can play [on the inside shade of an offensive tackle], he's a really good run-stopper and he's still learning how to pass rush," an SEC coordinator said per Rittenberg.
With Faulk already being a great run-stopper, Saleh will have the chance to help him develop as a pass rusher and if he can get him to improve that ability, Faulk has the chance to become one of the best defensive ends in the league.
The Titans were actually decent against the rush last season, giving up 114 yards on the ground per game, which was in the upper-middle tier of the league. Faulk should help Tennessee improve even more in that area, but if he is able to develop as a pass rusher too, then fans will see a star in the making.
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