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The Tennessee Titans did something unexpected during the 2026 NFL Draft. Well, they did a few things that weren't expected, but the first thing was when they traded back into the first round to select Auburn defensive end Keldric Faulk with the 31st overall pick.
It's no secret that the Titans didn't have much of a presence on the edge in 2025, something that Robert Saleh set out to fix when he was hired earlier this year.
Since OTAs and minicamp have concluded, the Titans' players are on a break until the end of July. During training camp, defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton was asked how Faulk was coming along in the NFL.
"It's no different than Femi (Oladejo)," Whitecotton said. "It's understanding that expectations, understanding the technique, and the standards, as well as the group. The scheme is different from Auburn, the expectations are different from Auburn, and, again, Auburn's not wrong, it's just different.
"And, so, for those guys to come in and learn, and then, you know, for all of young players in the NFL, it's not just unique to Keldric or Jackie (Marshall), rushing the passer in the NFL is a totally different ball game than college football. And these guys, these guys are good. They were the best of their college, and you've got to take them to another level."
The entire game of football is different at the NFL level because only the cream of the crop make it to the pros, and even then, you have to be better than most to see any snaps. College is competitive, but not at the same level as the NFL. Every rookie has to make adjustments when they enter the league, and Faulk is no different.
Rushing the passer is absolutely more difficult in the NFL, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Guys like Reggie White, Dwight Freeney, and Jason Taylor all took the league by storm during their rookie seasons. Faulk may or may not be at that level, but if he is developed correctly, he will become a force for the Titans.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans' Aaron Whitecotton determined to take Keldric Faulk to next level
Continue reading...
It's no secret that the Titans didn't have much of a presence on the edge in 2025, something that Robert Saleh set out to fix when he was hired earlier this year.
Since OTAs and minicamp have concluded, the Titans' players are on a break until the end of July. During training camp, defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton was asked how Faulk was coming along in the NFL.
"It's no different than Femi (Oladejo)," Whitecotton said. "It's understanding that expectations, understanding the technique, and the standards, as well as the group. The scheme is different from Auburn, the expectations are different from Auburn, and, again, Auburn's not wrong, it's just different.
"And, so, for those guys to come in and learn, and then, you know, for all of young players in the NFL, it's not just unique to Keldric or Jackie (Marshall), rushing the passer in the NFL is a totally different ball game than college football. And these guys, these guys are good. They were the best of their college, and you've got to take them to another level."
The entire game of football is different at the NFL level because only the cream of the crop make it to the pros, and even then, you have to be better than most to see any snaps. College is competitive, but not at the same level as the NFL. Every rookie has to make adjustments when they enter the league, and Faulk is no different.
Rushing the passer is absolutely more difficult in the NFL, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. Guys like Reggie White, Dwight Freeney, and Jason Taylor all took the league by storm during their rookie seasons. Faulk may or may not be at that level, but if he is developed correctly, he will become a force for the Titans.
This article originally appeared on Titans Wire: Titans' Aaron Whitecotton determined to take Keldric Faulk to next level
Continue reading...
