By CHRISSY SMITH
Slidell Sports Editor
SLIDELL — After waiting three days, Northshore High School graduate Chris Faulk got his call.
Faulk signed a free-agent deal with the Cleveland Browns to extend his football career.
Originally, Faulk was thought to be a first-round draft pick, but in 2012, during a practice after LSU’s season opener, he tore two ligaments in his right knee. Faulk, who is 6-feet-6 and 325 pounds, was still hoping to go as high in the draft as the third round. In fact, several analysts were predicting him to go in the third round. He was rated the No. 11 offensive tackle and the No. 112 player overall by NFLdraftscout.com.
“I had no clue what was going on, or where I was going to go. I was just waiting to get called,” Faulk said. “I kind of figured once the third round was over that I would sign a free -gent deal. The teams were really going to work with me.”
Faulk said that because of his injury, he was not drafted in the projected round.
“I talked to quite a few teams including the New Orleans Saints. I talked to every team in the NFL, and I am excited. I signed my contract Tuesday with them, and everything is what I thought it was going to be,” Faulk said.
Because of his injury, which required two surgeries, he was unable to run or do drills during pre-draft workouts. One week prior to the draft, Faulk met with the New Orleans Saints, according to Northshore Athletic Director Tom Gainey.
“I’m pretty much 100 percent or close to it. I feel good. The Browns are going to work with me, and make sure I get back to 100 percent,” Faulk said. “I’m just going up there to compete. I know it’s going to be different, and I know nothing is going to be given to me. I’m looking to do the best job I can.”