As bullets start flying at training camp, the Titans' first-round edge rusher battles a high-speed learning curve while fighting for a starting role on Robert Saleh’s defense.
The Tennessee Titans started the 2026 NFL Draft with one first-round pick, but had another by the time that first day ended.
The Titans selected Carnell Tate No. 4 overall but weren't done there. The Titans traded back into the first round with the Buffalo Bills for Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk.
Faulk's build has been compared to that of Cameron Jordan when he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2011. This should give Robert Saleh plenty of ways to utilize Faulk on the defensive line.
Like the other Titans rookies, Faulk experienced an NFL practice with pads at training camp on Monday. It's also the first year for Faulk under defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton.
Faulk was asked at Monday's press conference if his first padded practice was unlike anything he's ever experienced. Faulk noted how much different it is in the NFL, highlighting the game's speed and intensity.
"Definitely is," Faulk said. "Like everything is so fast-paced. You know, he tells us not to think so much, but, you know, you think a whole lot faster whenever the bullets start flying."
You hear players talk all the time about how fast the NFL is when they come from the college level. This will be one of the biggest adjustments for Faulk as he carves out his role on the Titans' defensive line.
Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers are expected to play on the inside, with Jermaine Johnson at edge. Franklin-Myers can play multiple positions, but he will be best used alongside Simmons to clog running lanes and get after the quarterback.
Faulk will most likely be competing for a starting edge rusher role with Jacob Martin, and Femi Oladejo will definitely be in the mix as well.
Martin is more experienced than Faulk and Oladejo, with 119 games played and 29 starts. Oladejo is coming off a season-ending injury as a rookie but is looking like a completely different player this offseason.
Like the other rookies in the league this year, Faulk will need to adjust to the speed of the NFL. The pace of the NFL is unmatched, especially when you have guys like Jeffery Simmons who can get to the quarterback in a matter of seconds.
The sooner that Faulk gets used to this, the better, as he prepares for his first season in the NFL. Luckily, he has plenty of time to do so before the Titans' first preseason game on Aug. 13.
