The Tennessee Titans pulled an NFL Draft-day stunner when they traded back into the first round to select former Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk at No. 31 overall. Fans thought general manager Mike Borgonzi was done after landing wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth pick. Not so fast, as Borgonzi and Robert Saleh saw an opportunity to go get a player they obviously coveted in Faulk.
The former Tigers standout was one of the youngest players in the NFL Draft, as he's not slated to turn 21 until September. That inexperience is also occasionally evident on the field. Despite possessing a desirable frame, Faulk recorded a modest two sacks at Auburn throughout 2025.
Pre-draft opinions were split on Faulk. Some analysts saw a naturally gifted player who was wasted by Auburn at the selfless 4i position, a spot on the defensive line that rarely leads to pass-rushing production. Others saw a talented player who failed to meet his potential.
Titan Sized spoke with FanSided NFL Draft expert Mike Luciano, who offered a stern warning while leaning towards the latter opinion.
NFL Draft: FanSided expert says Titans are getting potential All-Pro in Keldric Faulk
"Faulk is 100% a traits over production guy, as he managed just two sacks (down from seven as a sophomore) and produced a pitiful pass rush win rate last season," FanSided's Mike Luciano said. "He's also a tweener. Is he a big edge or a smaller interior player? The concerns may be nullified thanks to his elite edge-setting ability. He is every bit as strong as his 285-pound frame suggests, and with solid bend for his size and a fierce motor, the right defensive coach could make a fringe Pro Bowler right away."
The Titans will likely play Faulk on the edge, where he'll join Jermaine Johnson II, Femi Oladejo, Jacob Martin, and Jaylen Harrell. His run-stopping ability should afford him opportunities to make a quick and early impact. With Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers slated to play a majority of their snaps inside, the Titans are unlikely to make Faulk a tweener interior player.
Luciano's final sentence indicates the right defensive coach could develop Faulk into a Pro Bowl player. That context is incredibly important. If any defensive-minded leader is appropriately suited to help develop Faulk, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better option than Coach Saleh.
Due to Faulk's overwhelming size and length, he's drawn comparisons to Arik Armstead and Mykel Williams. Saleh coached both of them in San Francisco, with Armstead especially developing into a highly impactful player under his tutelage. The Faulk pick comes with risks, but the Titans understandably believe they have the right coaching staff in place to maximize his potential.
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