Full Breakdown
Titans Double First-Round Picks: Carnell Tate and Edge Rusher Keldric Faulk
4/24/2026, 1:10:39 PM
Titans Secure Two First-Round Selections
On April 23, 2026, the Tennessee Titans selected Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick and, after a trade with the Buffalo Bills, chose Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk at No. 31. The trade sent the Titans’ No. 35 (second-round), No. 66 (third-round) and No. 101 (fourth-round) picks to Buffalo in exchange for the No. 31 slot plus third-round No. 69 and fifth-round No. 165 selections.
Draft Strategy and Recent History
The moves follow a draft-centric strategy outlined by GM Mike Borgonzi, hired in 2025. Borgonzi and the Titans’ president of football operations set a goal of averaging ten selections per year for the first three years of his tenure. In 2025 the Titans drafted nine players—one short of the target—and emphasized depth by signing 19 free agents and adding two contributors via trades. The franchise’s first-round trade since the 2022 A.J. Brown deal reflects a willingness to leverage draft capital to address identified needs: edge defender, wide receiver, guard, center and defensive back.
Key Personnel and Player Profiles
- Mike Borgonzi – General manager, architect of the double-first-round approach.
- Robert Saleh – Head coach, whose defensive schemes influenced the selection of an edge rusher.
- Carnell Tate – 20-year-old Ohio State receiver praised as “the best receiver in the draft,” noted for size, vertical ability, efficient route running and contested-catch skill set.
- Keldric Faulk – 21-year-old Auburn defensive end, 6-6, 276 lb, with 109 tackles and 10 sacks in college; recognized for long arms, fluid athleticism and a versatile pass-rush repertoire.
Trade Mechanics and Draft Capital
The Titans relinquished a second-round pick (No. 35) and two mid-round selections (Nos. 66, 101) to acquire the No. 31 slot and later-round assets (Nos. 69, 165). This maneuver eliminated the Titans’ second-round presence but added a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick, preserving depth while securing an edge defender deemed essential for Saleh’s defense.
Implications for Offense and Defense
Tate’s “bigger, vertical” profile and “exceptional ball skills” are expected to expand the passing game for quarterback Cam Ward, providing a deep-field threat. Faulk’s ability to line up “outside, inside” aligns with Saleh’s flexible front seven, offering immediate rotational depth alongside Jermaine Johnson II and Femi Oladejo. The selections address two of the Titans’ top-listed needs and signal a continued reliance on the draft to build a competitive roster.
Official Statements & Responses
Borgonzi expressed enthusiasm for both additions, emphasizing character and fit within the team’s scheme. He highlighted Tate’s contested-catch ability and Faulk’s versatility on the defensive line. The organization framed the trade as a strategic acquisition of talent that compensates for the loss of a second-round pick.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Real excited about the two guys we added here tonight,” — Mike Borgonzi, Titans General Manager
- “Carnell Tate, we thought he was the best receiver in the draft.” — Mike Borgonzi, on Carnell Tate
What’s Next
The Titans will negotiate rookie contracts for Tate and Faulk in the coming weeks, followed by participation in rookie minicamps and the 2026 training camp. Their performance will be closely watched as the team seeks to translate draft capital into on-field impact under Saleh’s system.
