Full Breakdown
Titans Trade Up to Draft Auburn Edge Keldric Faulk After Selecting WR Carnell Tate
4/24/2026, 12:39:21 PM
Draft Trade and Selections
On Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans sent picks 35 (2nd round), 66 (3rd round) and 101 (4th round) to the Buffalo Bills. In return, Tennessee received the No. 31 overall pick plus selections 69 (3rd round) and 165 (5th round). The Titans used the acquired No. 31 slot to select Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk, after earlier taking Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick. The Bills will now pick third in the second round (No. 35).
Background: Titans’ Draft Strategy
The trade marks the Titans’ first first-round maneuver since the 2022 A.J. Brown deal. General manager Mike Borgonzi, hired in 2025, has emphasized building the roster through the draft, targeting an average of ten selections per year. In 2025 the team drafted nine players, one below that goal, and has since added 19 outside free agents. The organization’s recent focus has been on strengthening the defensive line, wide receiver corps, interior offensive line, and secondary.
Key Figures
- Mike Borgonzi – Titans GM, architect of the trade and the two first-round picks.
- Keldric Faulk – Auburn edge rusher, third-team All-SEC (2025), team captain.
- Carnell Tate – Ohio State receiver, rated the top receiver in the draft by Borgonzi.
- Buffalo Bills – Trade partner, acquiring additional mid-round assets.
Timeline of Draft Day Moves
- Round 1, Pick 4 – Titans select Carnell Tate.
- Round 1, Pick 31 – After trade, Titans select Keldric Faulk.
- Post-trade – Bills receive picks 35, 66, 101; Titans receive picks 69, 165.
Player Profile: Keldric Faulk’s College Production
Faulk (6-5, 274 lb) started 32 consecutive games at Auburn, earning team captaincy. In 2025 he logged 29 tackles, five for loss and two sacks; he posted 30 pressures per Pro Football Focus. Over his three-year career he amassed 109 tackles, 10 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.
Impact: Addressing Titans’ Roster Needs
The selections directly target two of Tennessee’s highest-priority positions: edge defender and deep-threat receiver. Borgonzi noted that Faulk “fits this defense” and can play both outside and inside, while Tate’s “bigger, vertical” skill set is expected to expand the passing game for quarterback Cam Ward. The trade also replenishes the Titans’ mid-round capital, aligning with their draft-development model.
Official Statements & Responses
Titans management highlighted that the two first-round picks “address a need with talent” and reflect a “long-term draft-centric approach.” Borgonzi emphasized the fit of Faulk’s versatility within Robert Saleh’s defensive schemes and praised Tate as the “best receiver in the draft.” The organization framed the trade as a strategic move to deepen the roster while maintaining flexibility in later rounds.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticism were reported in the available sources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently describe the trade terms, player selections, and draft-day chronology. No contradictory information was identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I bring versatility,” Faulk said. “I’ll be able to play multiple positions across the d-line… I am excited for that part, earning my place on the team and earning respect of the guys – that’s really what I am most excited about.” — Keldric Faulk, Defensive End, Auburn
- “Real excited about the two guys we added here tonight,” Borgonzi said. “Keldric Faulk, who really fits this defense. I mean, long, can play outside, inside.” — Mike Borgonzi, Titans GM
- “Carnell Tate, we thought he was the best receiver in the draft.” — Mike Borgonzi, Titans GM
- “I thought he had exceptional ball skills to be able to track the footballs, catch radius downfield.” — Mike Borgonzi, Titans GM
- “Well, he's a bigger, vertical guy. The route running, very efficient, his route running. I thought he had exceptional ball skills to be able to track the footballs, catch radius downfield. I think he's going to be a great fit in this offense. And you know, he's 20 years old last year playing at Ohio State. He's a young kid. So is Keldric (Faulk). They are both 21 now. Two young kids. But Tate has the ability to play big downfield. That's the one thing, all these contested catches downfield, his ability to go up and catch the football, contort his body in certain ways. I think it's going to be great for Cam (Ward).” — Mike Borgonzi, Titans GM
What’s Next
The Titans will integrate Faulk into their defensive line rotation and Tate into the receiving corps during offseason programs, aiming to translate their versatility and playmaking ability into on-field production for the upcoming season.