Tennessee Titans rookie defensive end Keldric Faulk accomplished plenty during his three seasons at Auburn. He started 32 straight games, became a team captain and earned third-team All-SEC honors in 2025. He also played in all 37 games of his college career.
Pro Football Focus gives us a different look at Faulk’s Auburn career. His PFF tackle totals were 26 in 2023, 35 in 2024 and 26 in 2025. His defensive grades moved from 68.4 to 83.8 before finishing at 75.8.
Keldric Faulk’s first Titans test is underway. How quickly can he turn his Auburn production into a role in Robert Saleh’s defense? #titanup #auburnfootball #titansfootball #preseason #keldricfaulk pic.twitter.com/drfRGE4vT6
— Titans-Desk (@mbottoms31) August 21, 2026
Faulk’s PFF profile was solid, but not dominant on its own. The Titans saw a player whose size and versatility fit what Robert Saleh wanted on defense. After using the No. 4 pick on Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate, the Titans moved back into the first round later that night to get Faulk. They sent Buffalo picks 35, 66 and 101 in exchange for picks 31, 69 and 165.
General manager Mike Borgonzi explained the decision after the pick.
"He was our highest-rated guy at the time, and we thought this guy really fit the defense well,” Borgonzi said."Tennesseetitans.com
Keldric Faulk’s first Tennessee Titans test is underway
Faulk’s draft night is over. Now the Titans are figuring out exactly where he fits. He started learning Saleh’s defense at rookie minicamp and worked on his get-off during OTAs. Training camp is where those changes have to start showing up with the pads on.
Faulk’s early camp work has been more about flashes than a full takeover. On day three, he knocked down a pass at the line of scrimmage. That was a small play, but it showed Faulk can affect a snap without making a tackle.
The early read on Faulk has been positive, but the Titans are still finding the right way to use him.. The first unofficial depth chart put him behind Jacob Martin. For now, that seems like the right spot. The Titans can bring him along while they find the best ways to use him.
The work from camp carried into Faulk’s preseason debut against the 49ers. He started at defensive end and totaled three tackles. That is a small sample size, but it gave the Titans an early idea of how Faulk could fit into the rotation.
Faulk recently suffered a stinger-related shoulder injury at camp. Thankfully, reports indicate it's far less serious than first feared. He missed joint practice with the Seattle Seahawks, and also sat out Sunday's second preseason game as a precaution.
The San Francisco game was a good first step for Faulk. Once he returns to the practice field, he'll receive additional opportunities to prove his hard work is starting to translate.
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