:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63687607/1025421958.jpg.0.jpg)
Tulane’s Donnie Lewis Jr. waited patiently for three days to hear his name called in this year’s NFL Draft. On Saturday, Lewis’ 72 hours in career limbo finally came to a merciful end when the Cleveland Browns used their 221st overall selection to nab the young corner. It was a well-deserved reward for the young man who had been dominant in the Green Wave secondary for four seasons.
With Tulane, Lewis snagged 7 interceptions, authored 160 tackles and defended 37 passes. Whether or not he will make Cleveland’s final roster cut later this summer has yet to be determined, but for the time being Lewis is an NFLer.
Two of his former teammates also broke their way into the professional ranks this weekend, they just didn’t have the luxury of getting their names called in Nashville. Hard-hitting safety Roderic Teamer garnered attention from the Chargers and inked with Los Angeles late on Saturday. Teamer spent four years alongside Lewis on the back end and delivered 198 total tackles. He intercepted three passes and knocked down 11 more during his time with the Wave.
On the offensive side of the ball, one of the Tulane’s big men also landed a spot with an AFC West club. The Denver Broncos gave lineman John Leglue his pro opportunity by signing him to a deal. Leglue has been a pillar for the Green Wave in the trenches since 2015, paving the way for the dynamic ground game that drives the offense.
While the absence of these three men presents a daunting challenge for Tulane moving into this season, head coach Willie Fritz couldn’t be prouder to see some of his best players go pro.
Congrats Donnie! Thank you for everything you did for the Tulane Football Program! Cleveland @Browns you got a good one!!! #RollWave pic.twitter.com/NQ3nRVMiNl
— Coach Willie Fritz (@CoachWEFritz) April 27, 2019
Huge Congrats to Rod Teamer Jr. for signing with the @Chargers & John Leglue for signing with the @Broncos!! 2 guys who gave their ALL for Tulane!! #RollWave pic.twitter.com/EyzGlL8Fo2
— Coach Willie Fritz (@CoachWEFritz) April 27, 2019
If you want to keep an eye on how Lewis, Teamer and Leglue progress this offseason here are some key dates for their respective teams...
Cleveland Browns - Mandatory Mini-Camp: June 4-6 / OTA Offseason Workouts: May 14-16, 21-23, 28-31 / Training Camp: TBA (Late July)
Los Angeles Chargers - Mandatory Mini-Camp: June 11-13 / OTA Offseason Workouts: May 20, 22-23, 28-30, June 3-4, 6-7 / Training Camp: TBA (Late July)
Denver Broncos - Mandatory Mini-Camp: June 4-6 / OTA Offseason Workouts: May 13-14, 16, 20-21, 23, 29-31 / Training Camp: TBA (Late July)