Titans 2024 UDFA Primer: Khalid Duke was a draftable pass rusher

The Titans signed undrafted defensive end Khalid Duke to a contract that contains notable guarantees

The Tennessee Titans have allegedly signed upwards of 10-plus undrafted free agents following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft. I’ve spent the past few days familiarizing myself with all of them. I’ve also confirmed various reported signings through independent sources.

One of those signings is Kansas State defensive end Khalid Duke, according to NFL insider Aaron Wilson. The Titans gave Duke $52,500 in total guarantees, including $40,000 in salary guarantees. That indicates Duke is Tennessee’s second-highest paid undrafted free agent, trailing just offensive linemen Cole Spencer.

Duke recorded a career-high 6.0 sacks this past campaign. He played his entire college football career at Kansas State, totaling 14 sacks and 125 tackles across five seasons. Duke is an undersized pass rusher that pairs speed with first-step explosiveness.

Duke’s athletic profile is a mixed bag. The Atlanta, Georgia native ran a solid 4.79 40 with average splits of 2.8 and 1.69 at 6-foot-3 and 248 pounds. Play strength has been an issue, and Duke recorded just 21 reps on the bench press. Duke also posted solid vertical (34 inches) and broad jump (9-foot-9) results.

The Titans didn’t draft a pass rusher in the 2024 NFL Draft until selecting Jaylen Harrell in the seventh round. General manager Ran Carthon should search for an early-down veteran defender to play opposite Harold Landry III in free agency. Until a move is finalized, Duke appears to possess a solid opportunity to push players like Rashad Weaver, Caleb Murphy, and Thomas Rush for a 53-man roster spot.

Previous UDFA Profiles:

Cole Spencer