Titans getting serious about defense in the Robert Saleh era | Estes

TL;DR

The Tennessee Titans prioritized defense in the 2026 NFL Draft, trading up to select edge rusher Keldric Faulk and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. This move signals a serious commitment to strengthening their defensive lineup.

Key points

Titans traded up in the 2026 NFL Draft
Selected Keldric Faulk, edge rusher from Auburn
Selected Anthony Hill Jr., linebacker from Texas
Focus on strengthening the defense
Indicates serious commitment to defense

Tennessee TitansKeldric FaulkAnthony Hill Jr.

Titans getting serious about defense in the Robert Saleh era | Estes

An NFL team obviously wants every prospect it ends up drafting, but with certain players, it’s easy to tell a team really wants them.

That’s because that team trades up to make sure.

So the Tennessee Titans really wanted the two defensive players they landed in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, since they traded up for edge rusher Keldric Faulk of Auburn late in the first round (at pick No. 31) and then linebacker Anthony Hill Jr., of Texas late in the second round (No. 60).

The move up for Faulk wasn’t much. It was only four spots. For Hill Jr., it was nine. But in each instance, there was no disappointment. Titans general manager Mike Borgonzi eliminated the risk. The Titans were willing to pay a price to get who they were targeting.

“Our pro department does a great job of studying team needs, teams in front of us, what they need,” Borgonzi explained. “We track teams that have visits with players. There's all sorts of information and intel that you might take into account. ...

“You really don't know. But you try to have as much information as you can with the teams in front of you or even behind you if you can move back and still get that same player.”

Carnell Tate, left and Keldric Faulk enter the room as the Titans present their first two NFL Draft selections at their practice facility in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, April 24, 2026.