Despite an uncertain injury status, the versatile defensive end’s elite PFF grade and Arik Armstead comparisons signal that Tennessee’s aggressive draft-day trade is already yielding significant dividends.
A few Tennessee Titans rookies had solid performances in the first preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers.
The team as a whole struggled at times, whether it was the first-team offense screeching to a halt after scoring on their first drive or the secondary getting embarrassed by a third-string quarterback.
There were some individual rookie performances that stood out.
Fernando Carmona got the start at right guard over veteran Cordell Volson, who is working his way back from the shoulder injury he sustained at Cincinnati Bengals training camp last year.
Carmona looked solid for a rookie playing in his first NFL game, even if it was the preseason. Volson was even listed ahead of Carmona on the depth chart before the game, and the Titans still went with the rookie.
Keldric Faulk also looked good in the 30 defensive snaps he had. He ended the night with three total tackles, which doesn't sound very impressive to the naked eye.
However, PFF graded his performance as the fourth-highest of the week among first-round picks.
Faulk finished with a grade of 73.2.
The first rounders that ranked ahead of him were Malachi Lawrence (74.8), Akheem Mesidor (81.6) and Arvell Reese (88.2). The Titans traded back into the first round to get Faulk at No. 31 overall.
It looks like the risk the Titans took in getting him is starting pay off.
Unfortunately, Faulk left practice the other day with a shoulder injury. His status for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks is uncertain.
Still, he provides a versatile option for Robert Saleh and the defensive line.
Faulk has been compared to another player that Saleh worked with in the past. General Manager Mike Borgonzi said that Faulk reminded him of Arik Armstead, who was with Saleh and the 49ers when he was the defensive coordinator from 2017-20.
Armstead had the best season of his career in terms of sacks with Saleh, recording 10 in 2019. Saleh utilized Armstead by moving him around the defensive line to exploit mismatches.
With Faulk, the Titans will be looking to do the same thing.
Hopefully, Faulk will be able to get back out there for Sunday's preseason game and build on his performance.
Friday's joint practice will give us an idea of the severity of Faulk's injury. If he's able to participate in the joint practice, it will be a good sign for Sunday.
The Titans and Seahawks kick off at 7 p.m. CT on Fox from Nissan Stadium.
