The Tennessee Titans made eight total selections during the 2026 NFL Draft. After spending the majority of free agency reshaping Robert Saleh’s defense, only three of those picks were spent on that unit. Yesterday, we ranked the offensive selections 1-5 on level of importance. Even though the Titans only made three picks on defense, they nabbed a couple of high-impact players in Saleh’s scheme.

With that said, we’ve ranked the Titans’ defensive picks 1-3.

We’re ranking the second-round pick above the first rounder, simply because it’s easier to forecast an immediate impact. The Titans traded up to No. 60 for linebacker Anthony Hill Jr, leapfrogging the Denver Broncos, who appeared primed to select him at No. 61. The former Texas Longhorns defender possesses every trait Saleh craves at linebacker. He’s long, rangy, violent, and instinctual. How long before Hill replaces Cody Barton in base (nickel) defense next to Cedric Gray? It may be Week 1.

The Titans also traded up for defensive end Keldric Faulk, getting themselves back into the first round to select the sliding pass rusher. Faulk is an ascending prospect with limited pass-rush potential. We’d be more concerned about this pick if Saleh didn’t have a long track record of maximizing talented players with similar traits and body types (Arik Armstead, John Franklin-Myers). This was a Saleh pick through and through, and we should possess confidence in his coaching ability. Faulk is ranked behind Hill because the Titans are going to rotate a bunch on the defensive line, limiting his Year One impact.

The Jackie Marshall pick was arguably the Titans’ most surprising choice. They are well-stocked at defensive tackle with Jeffery Simmons, Franklin-Myers, Solomon Thomas, and Jordan Elliott at the position. Marshall will compete for the fifth (and likely final) 53-man roster spot at the position with a slew of returning players, including Timmy Horne, Isaiah Raikes, and Cam Horsley.