Full Breakdown
Titans Assemble a Balanced 2026 Draft Class to Bolster Offense and Defense
4/27/2026, 12:00:31 AM
Draft Overview
The Titans concluded the 2026 NFL Draft with eight picks, including wide receiver Carnell Tate (No. 4, Ohio State) and edge rusher Keldric Faulk (No. 31, Auburn). The second round added linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (Texas); later rounds added guard Fernando Carmona, center Pat Coogan, running back Nick Singleton, tight end Jaren Kanak and defensive end Jackie Marshall.
Strategic Context
To address roster holes, Tennessee traded with Buffalo for the No. 31 slot, enabling a trade-up for Faulk and reinforcing Robert Saleh’s defensive front. The front office also shifted priority from a top running back to a receiver, aiming to give second-year quarterback Cam Ward weapons, a strategy emphasized by GM Mike Borgonzi.
Key Picks and Projected Roles
Tate posted 17.2 yards per reception and nine touchdowns in 2025, making him a target for Ward. Faulk, a edge, recorded two sacks and 30 pressures at Auburn, fitting Saleh’s scheme. Hill, a linebacker, fits the WILL role in Saleh’s 4-3 defense and is cited as a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. Singleton, a Penn State star with 45 touchdowns, combines a frame with a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, offering a rushing option. Carmona and Coogan will compete for guard and center, while Kanak and Marshall add depth.
Official Team Perspective
GM Mike Borgonzi said the draft aimed to surround Cam Ward with playmakers, explaining the selection of Tate at No. 4 and the trade-up for Faulk. Head coach Robert Saleh said Faulk’s size and length suit his defensive philosophy and Hill’s athletic profile fits the WILL linebacker role.
Criticism and Opposition
Analysts noted Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles were available at No. 4, implying a better pick. Others flagged Faulk’s modest sack total and questioned why Borgonzi did not move up for Jeremiyah Love at No. 3.
Conflicting Projections & Gaps
Observers project Hill as a Defensive Rookie of the Year contender, while others view him as a backup competing for snaps. Singleton’s foot injury leaves his speed uncertain, and Faulk’s transition from pressures to NFL sack production is untested.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Caption Round One, Pick 31 (Trade up) – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn Big and long, he fits the mold of what the Titans want at the position and immediately embraced their fast and violent attitude.” — Paul Kuharsky, Draft Analyst
- “Round Five, Pick 165 – Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State A fast, productive back who set records at Penn State.” — Paul Kuharsky, Draft Analyst
- “Robert Saleh has helped lift the games of many off-the-ball backers, and Hill said he is fired up to absorb the coaching and fit into that mold.” — Paul Kuharsky, Draft Analyst
- “But Tate doesn’t have the high-end speed or the run-after-catch/contact you’d like in the first receiver off the board.” — Paul Kuharsky, Draft Analyst
Outlook
The Titans expect Tate and Faulk to see Week 1 action, while Hill will compete for a starting linebacker slot. Singleton will vie for a backup role behind Pollard, and interior linemen will battle for starting assignments in training camp.
