Titans Trade Up to Draft Auburn Edge Rusher Keldric Faulk
The Tennessee Titans completed a trade with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday, moving up to the 31st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The transaction gave Tennessee the opportunity to select Auburn edge rusher Keldgram Faulk, who was ranked the No. 4 edge defender in Veezstream’s “The Beast.”
The Bills, having already traded down twice earlier in the day, exited the first round and acquired additional selections in the process.
Tennessee surrendered its 35th, 66th and 101st overall picks, while receiving the Bills’ 31st, 69th and 165th selections.
The trade details are summarized in the table below.
| Team | Pick Sent | Pick Received |
|---|---|---|
| Titans | 35, 66, 101 | 31, 69, 165 |
| Bills | 31, 69, 165 | 35, 66, 101 |
Keldric Faulk entered the draft after a three‑year career at Auburn, where he accumulated 10 sacks and 45 tackles.
His statistical production by season is shown in the following table.
| Season | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 45 | 7 |
| 2024 | 38 | 2 |
| Career | 83 | 10 |
During his sophomore season in 2024, Faulk recorded 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and seven sacks.
That breakout year placed him on the national radar and set high expectations for his senior campaign.
In 2025 his production fell to five tackles for loss and two sacks, a dip attributed to a new role in Auburn’s defensive scheme.
Coaches noted that he embraced the assignment without complaint, demonstrating team‑first mentality.
Faulk’s physical profile includes a 6‑6 frame, 276‑pound weight and 34 3/8‑inch arm length.
Scouting reports emphasize his long, athletic stature and strong frame as essential NFL traits.
Dane Brugger, in Veezstream’s “The Beast,” placed Faulk at No. 15 on his top‑300 big‑board list.
Brugger described him as a “king‑sized edge defender” who relies on power and fluidity rather than deceptive moves.
He noted that Faulk’s explosiveness is limited but his hand usage creates knockback at the point of contact.
According to Brugger, Fagap’s ability to stack, shed and detach in the run game adds versatility along the line.
The scout highlighted a need for improved pad level consistency and instinctual play, though tackle reliability remains high.
An anonymous SEC offensive coordinator, quoted in Bruce Feldman’s mock draft, praised Faulk’s “heavy‑handed” bull‑rush style.
The coach observed that when Faulk decides to attack, he becomes difficult to contain, despite not being “twitchy.”
Scott Dochterman assigned a B‑ grade to the Titans’ trade, citing a strong fit for the team’s four‑down defensive philosophy.
Dochterman pointed out that the Titans’ interior defensive stalwart, Jeffery Simmons, and new tag‑partner John Franklin‑Myers create a solid front line.
He also referenced recent signings of Jermaine Johnson and Jacob Martin as depth that eases immediate pressure on Faulk.
The Titans’ general manager, Mike Borgonzi, has previously bolstered the edge with the acquisition of Franklin‑Myers.
Faulk joins a unit that also includes second‑round pick Femi Oladejo, who remains a developmental prospect.
Analysts noted that the Titans originally projected an edge selection at No. 4 but selected wide receiver Carnell Tate at No. 35.
The decision to trade up four spots indicates a clear intent to secure Faulk’s upside.
Faulk’s collegiate leadership is evidenced by his role as a team captain at Auburn.
He also contributed off the field, donating a portion of NIL earnings to assist a walk‑on teammate.
The Titans’ defensive scheme under coordinator Robert Salah emphasizes aggressive pass rush and disciplined gap control.
Faulk’s size and power align with the scheme’s demand for a strong edge presence capable of setting the edge.
His ability to play both stand‑up and hand‑in‑the‑dust positions offers positional flexibility.
While his senior year numbers declined, the coaching staff expects his experience in varied roles to accelerate NFL adaptation.
The trade granted the Bills three additional picks, allowing them to replenish the roster after moving down.
Buffalo’s draft board now includes selections at 35, 66 and 101, which they plan to use on depth and developmental talent.
For the Titans, the move represents a calculated risk, balancing Faulk’s boom‑or‑bust ceiling against proven draft capital.
Veezstream’s coverage highlights that the Titans’ edge group will now feature three players with starting potential.
Faulk’s career average of 0.3 sacks per game in college suggests a developmental trajectory rather than immediate impact.
Nevertheless, his physical traits and demonstrated work ethic provide a foundation for growth under NFL coaching.
The Titans’ depth chart now lists Faulk as a rotational edge rusher behind Franklin‑Myers and Johnson.
Coaches have indicated that performance in training camp will determine whether he earns a starting role.
Faulk’s draft selection marks the first time the Titans have taken an edge defender from Auburn since the 2016 draft.
The move underscores the organization’s commitment to reinforcing the defensive line through both draft and free‑agency avenues.
Overall, the trade reflects a strategic alignment of talent acquisition, roster construction, and defensive philosophy for Tennessee.
