2005 draft pick signings

[bucknut11]

Alex Smith agreed to sign a six-year, $57 million deal with the 49ers today. He is the second first rounder to sign (Pats) and obviously is the most high profile. This should start a domino effect as all the other players should see where they fall in relation to #1 money. Smith is set to make just over a million more per year than Eli "I don't want to play for the Chargers" Manning.

We can just use this thread for other signings and commentary...

[bucknut11]

Nugent signed.

Nugent Signs, All Draft Selections at Camp

The New York Jets announced Thursday they have signed their first-selection in the 2005 draft, kicker Mike Nugent. The announcement was made by Jets’ Executive Vice President and General Manager Terry Bradway.

Nugent, a 5-9, 182-pound product of Ohio State University, was selected in the second round with the 47th overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft. Nugent holds or shares 22 school records including most points scored (356), most points by a kicker (356), most field goals (72), most consecutive field goals made (24, 2001-02), most games with multiple field goals (20), most field goals of 50 yards or more (8) and best field goal percentage (.818, 72-of-88).

Nugent was the winner of the Lou Groza Award in 2004, given to the nation’s top kicker. He also became the first kicker in school history to earn team Most Valuable Player honors during his final season with the Buckeyes. Nugent was a consensus All-American first-team pick as a senior where he was successful on 24-of-27 FG, including five of at least 50 yards or more.

With Nugent’s signing Senior Vice President/assistant General Manager Mike Tannenbaum extends his current streak to eight-seasons without a draft selection holding out. The Jets will hold their first training camp practice on Friday, July 29 at 8:45 am. Quarterback Chad Pennington is scheduled to practice in both the morning and afternoon practice, seeing his highest passing activity in the 3:30 practice.

8 years without a holdout!? In this day and age, that may be the most impressive thing I've heard about the NFL all month.

[LoKyBuckeye]

Cadillac signed late last night and reported to the first day of Bucs camp today. I give him credit for not holding out and waiting for the other backs to sign.

Cadillac signs, reports to training camp

Associated Press


LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - Rookie running back Carnell "Cadillac" Williams made good on a promise to get into training camp for Tampa Bay's first practice, signing a multiyear contract Friday with the Buccaneers.

The former Auburn star was the fifth player selected in this year's draft and finalized the deal shortly after midnight before meeting with general manager Bruce Allen and making the hour drive from Tampa to the team hotel in nearby Celebration, arriving shortly after 2 a.m.

"I stressed to my agent that I definitely wanted to be there on the first day, compete for a starting job and contribute to the team as soon as possible," Williams said.

Although the speedy 217-pounder who rushed for 1,165 yards and 12 touchdowns in helping Auburn to a 13-0 record last season participated in the first workout, he technically was a holdout because the rest of the team reported on Thursday.

Coach Jon Gruden was not concerned, though. He said the two sides had agreed in principle, but needed time to iron out some minor details.

"He wanted to get in here. ... There was no way he was going to miss a practice. He told me that when we (drafted) him. He delivered his end of the bargain," Gruden said. "This kid wants to make an impact immediately. And I think he understands to do that, he's got to be out here with his teammates."

The Bucs ranked 29th among 32 teams in rushing a year ago, and are counting on Williams to add a dimension the offense has lacked since Warrick Dunn signed with Atlanta as a free agent in 2002 - a runner capable breaking long runs every time he touches the ball.

The rookie was one of three running backs selected among the top five picks in the draft and will compete with incumbent Michael Pittman for the starting job.

Former Auburn teammate Ronnie Brown, selected second by the Miami Dolphins, and Cedric Benson, picked fourth by the Chicago Bears, are unsigned. There was speculation Williams might not sign before the other two had deals.

"I feel like my agent did a good job, along with Bruce. Therefore, I didn't feel like there was a big need for me to wait on those guys," Williams said. "My main thing is getting on the field and contributing as soon as possible."