For the first time since 2004, two Green Wave football players were selected in the same NFL Draft.

The Denver Broncos selected defensive backs Lorenzo Doss and Taurean Nixon in the fifth round (164th overall) and seventh round (251st overall) during the 2015 NFL Draft. Their selections also mark the first time that one team drafted more than one Tulane player since 1974.

The two Louisiana natives were important contributors to the Wave’s powerful defense.

Doss was a standout player in his three years with the Wave, along with Nixon, a transfer from the University of Memphis. They made Tulane’s secondary one of the strengths of its defense.

Doss entered the draft after his junior season at Tulane; his 15 career interceptions were the second-highest total among any defensive back selected in this year’s draft.

Nixon, one of the fastest players in this year’s draft, played in 38 games and started in 21. He recorded 92 tackles, 7 pass break-ups, 2 interceptions, one forced fumble and one recovery in his career.

The fact that Doss and Nixon play the same position and were selected by the same NFL team is rare and presents an exciting opportunity for Tulane football fans as one day soon the former Tulane cornerbacks may be lining up in the same NFL secondary.

Doss and Nixon are joined in the journey to the NFL by their two Green Wave teammates, offensive tackle Sean Donnelly and tight end Matt Marfisi.

Donnelly, standing at 6-foot-8 and 307 pounds, appeared in 42 games with 36 starts during his career. He was essential in Tulane’s pass protection. Marfisi appeared in 49 games and recorded 31 starts. He had 27 catches for 221 yards and a touchdown in his time at Tulane.

Donnelly signed an undrafted free agent contract with the New York Giants, while Marfisi was invited to the Giants’ minicamp.

Donnelly and Marfisi look to play their way onto the Giants’ roster, where former Wave standout players – offensive tackle Troy Kropog and running back Orleans Darkwa – currently play.

Of the 11 American Athletic Conference teams, Tulane was one of six teams to have at least one player drafted and one of five teams to have two players drafted overall.