The Tennessee Titans knew they were getting a project when they traded up to No. 31 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft to select EDGE Keldric Faulk. So why is everyone panicking now that Faulk has made a limited impact in two regular-season games? The first-round selection deserves patience, not panic.
Faulk was roughly 21 ½ years old when the Titans drafted him. The former Auburn standout was among the youngest prospects in the entire draft. That typically comes with a longer developmental runway. It's why teams value age when assessing prospects.
Faulk also missed two preseason contests and a portion of training camp with injury, further stunting his acclimation period. There's absolutely no reason to panic. Titans fans should choose patience with Faulk's development.
Titans rookie EDGE Keldric Faulk deserves patience after slow 2026 start
Faulk has played 39 total snaps through two weeks, accounting for just 27.27% of the Titans' defensive plays. He's recorded two assists and zero solo tackles. Pro Football Focus hasn't credited him with a quarterback pressure.
The Titans drafted Faulk partially because he reminded head coach Robert Saleh of Arik Armstead, another long, big-bodied defensive end he previously coached. The now 32-year-old Armstead has developed into a really good NFL player, now in his 12th professional season. Like Faulk, he was 21 when drafted. He had two sacks as a rookie and didn't start making a huge impact until closer to the conclusion of his rookie contract.
Hopefully it doesn’t take that long with Faulk, but it’s a good example of why patience is needed.
Coach Saleh also famously runs an attacking-style front that can be difficult to acclimate to. Even experienced NFL players who haven't played in it before have been said to initially struggle. That's precisely why the Titans prioritized acquiring veteran defensive lineman who previously played for Saleh this offseason.
Titans DE Keldric Faulk could follow the Dallas Turner blueprint
Minnesota Vikings EDGE Dallas Turner is a good example of patience paying off. The former Alabama pass rusher was 21 when drafted. He registered just three sacks as a rookie and didn't start any games. Turner showed breakout potential as a sophomore last year, notching eight sacks.
Turner has been on absolute fire through two contests this season. He leads all NFL edge rushers with 15 wins as a pass rusher, according to ESPN Stats. Turner has three sacks in two appearances, already matching his rookie season output. Pro Football Focus has him with a league-leading 20 pressures.
Faulk was a long-term pick for the Titans. Fans may be frustrated with that outcome while watching this team's defensive ends struggle to rush the passer on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, frustration doesn't change reality.
Faulk is still scratching the surface of his potential after Auburn asked him to play a selfless role last season. Being coached under Saleh, there are historic indicators that claim he'll develop into a productive defender. Everyone just needs to relax.
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