Official Rookie Signing Thread

[Turry 755]

Seahawks signed No. 25 overall pick OT James Carpenter to a four-year contract.

Carpenter is expected to step right in as the starting right tackle. The first-team All-SEC product should have an instant impact in the run game. The Seahawks managed just 3.7 yards per carry as a team last year.

Source: John Boyle on Twitter

 

Rams agreed to terms with No. 47 overall pick TE Lance Kendricks on a four-year contract.

A field-stretching tight end, Kendricks averaged nearly 15 yards per catch at Wisconsin. The Rams plan to use him as a "move" tight end while Michael Hoomanawanui stays in-line. Kendricks garnered high praise for his work in player-organized workouts and is a strong bet to lead all Rams tight ends in catches. He's no more than a low-end TE2 as a rookie, however.

Source: Jim Thomas on Twitter

 

Bills signed No. 3 overall pick DT Marcell Dareus to a fully guaranteed four-year, $20.4 million contract.

Athletic and fluid with the ability to split double teams, Dareus can play the nose or two-gap in Buffalo's 3-4 scheme. He'll start his career at left defensive end, moving inside in nickel packages. As long as the Bills pick up a linebacker or two in free agency, Dareus should be a boon for the run defense.

Source: Jason LaCanfora on Twitter

 

 

Giants signed No. 83 overall pick WR/KR Jerrel Jernigan to a four-year contract.

The Sun Belt Conference's all-time leader in catches and receiving yards, Jernigan is an explosive slot prospect. The Giants are likely to re-sign Steve Smith and/or Plaxico Burress, limiting Jernigan's rookie-year impact to kick returns. He could push Dominik Hixon off the roster.

 

 

Dolphins agreed to terms with No. 62 overall pick RB Daniel Thomas on a four-year contract.

Thomas was lauded for his between-the-tackles physical style and underrated receiving skills at Kansas State, and the Fins traded up to make him their feature back. Reggie Bush will eat into his snaps on passing downs, but Thomas is still a good bet for 250 touches as a rookie. That number could go down if the Dolphins add a veteran backup such as Marion Barber, Ricky Williams, or Ronnie Brown.

Source: Jeff Darlington on Twitter

 

Ravens signed No. 27 overall pick Jimmy Smith to a four-year contract.

The Ravens plan to use Smith as a shadow corner, tracking opposite No. 1 wide receivers all over the field. He'll likely be a Week 1 starter across from Domonique Foxworth, assuming Foxworth returns at his $4.4 million salary. Smith was a top-ten talent in the draft. He fell due to off-the-field concerns, but the Ravens are banking on their "culture" keeping him on the right path.

Source: Aaron Wilson on Twitter

[Krawnka 282]

Jon Baldwin is now under contract:

 

Kansas City’s 2011 draft class breaks down as follows:

 

1st round (26th overall) – WR Jonathan Baldwin, Pittsburgh: signed contract 7/29/11

 

2nd round (55th overall) – OL Rodney Hudson, Florida State: signed contract 7/28/11

 

3rd round (70th overall) – LB Justin Houston, Georgia: unsigned

 

3rd round (86th overall) – DL Allen Bailey, Miami: signed contract 7/28/11

 

4th round (118th overall) – DB Jalil Brown, Colorado: signed contract 7/28/11

 

5th round (135th overall) – QB Ricky Stanzi, Iowa: signed contract 7/28/11

 

5th round (140th overall) – LB Gabe Miller, Oregon State: signed contract 7/28/11

 

6th round (199th overall) – DL Jerrell Powe, Mississippi: signed contract 7/28/11

 

7th round (223rd overall) – RB Shane Bannon, Yale: signed contract 7/28/11

Edited July 29, 2011 by Krawnka

[Turry 755]

Packers agreed to terms with No. 32 overall pick OT Derek Sherrod on a four-year, $6.6 million contract.

Sherrod is a legit 6'6" with 36-inch arms and enough athleticism to take over Chad Clifton's left tackle job down the road. Unless the Packers decide to throw him into the mix at Daryn Colledge's vacant left guard spot, Sherrod will spend his rookie year learning the ropes from Clifton.

[Vin+ 3,121]

Cardinals signed No. 5 overall pick Patrick Peterson to a five-year contract.

 

Peterson made the announcement on Twitter, and Mike Jurecki of XTRA Phoenix confirmed the news. There had been speculation Peterson might hold out based on statements from his agent, but he'll be in Flagstaff on Sunday. Already markered in as the Cardinals' top cornerback this season, Peterson will face an awful lot of pressure and likely be targeted often by opposing offensive coordinators. It should culminate in some nice IDP value, although rookie cornerbacks tend to struggle in coverage out of the gate.

 

Source: Patrick Peterson on Twitter

[Krawnka 282]

WTF Justin Houston, get the deal done already, not like he was a first rounder....

 

 

edit: done deal

All drafted rookies are now signed.

 

 

http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/KANSAS-CITY-SIGNS-THIRD-ROUND-PICK-LB-JUSTIN-HOUSTON/ee2c70d0-0402-434b-9c32-7d45c26e14c3

 

The Kansas City Chiefs announced on Friday that the club has signed third-round draft pick LB Justin Houston.

 

Houston (6-3, 268)was the first of Kansas City’s two third-round picks (70th overall) in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played in 36 games (24 starts) at the University of Georgia, recording 105 tackles (70 solo), 38.0 stops for loss and 20.0 sacks (-134.0 yards). He added 78 QB pressures, an interception, five passes defensed, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

 

Houston was a prep standout at Statesboro High School in Statesboro, Georgia.

Edited August 5, 2011 by Krawnka