On Thursday, the Tennessee Titans posted a video showing a behind-the-scenes look at Carnell Tate and Keldric Faulk being drafted by the team, as well as their introductory press conference.
In the video, Faulk and Tate walk around the building, meeting new teammates and seeing the locker room for the first time. As soon as Faulk walks through the doors, he sees the locker for Isaiah Raikes and makes it a point to tap his nameplate, saying, "My brother, this is my brother right here."
Tennessee Titans rookie DE Keldric Faulk learns harsh reality of the NFL
He says that because Raikes transferred to Auburn in 2024 to finish his career. As a fifth-year senior and a starter on that defensive line, he would have joined Faulk in a crucial period of his life. That was the same year that a sophomore version of Faulk was a full-time starter for the first time, and he put up a dominant season.
It isn't hard to see why Faulk and Raikes would have a connection and why Faulk would be looking forward to working next to his former teammate again. Then the unfortunate business of the NFL hit.
On the same day that the video was posted, Raikes was released to make room for a fresh wave of UDFA talent that will compete for a roster spot in training camp. While Raikes could still return to the Titans somewhere down the line, it means that any sort of reunion will be, at best, delayed.
That is tough news for the rookie, but it is the unfortunate business side of the NFL. The sooner a rookie can learn that lesson, the more equipped he will be to treat this as a business instead of a game.
That shouldn't be a concern for Faulk, who has received glowing character reviews throughout the predraft process, and now he gets to work with Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers, two of the best defensive linemen in the NFL. With the reminder that you are only as valuable as what you put on tape, two elite leaders in front of him, and a stellar work ethic, the sky is the limit for the young 20-year-old, and that should make Titans fans very excited to see what this defensive front looks like in just a few months.
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