Ravens Sign Top Pick Upshaw And Rest Of 2012 Class
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- The Baltimore Ravens have signed their entire rookie draft class, including top pick Courtney Upshaw.
The majority of the contracts were finalized Thursday, one day before the start of a three-day rookie minicamp.
Upshaw, a standout outside linebacker from Alabama, was the 35th overall selection in the draft. He received a four-year contract worth nearly $5.3 million, including a $2.292 million bonus.
He is projected as an immediate starter because Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs will be sidelined for a major portion of
the season with a torn Achilles tendon that required surgery.
Upshaw recorded 9 1/2 sacks last season for the Crimson Tide with 51 tackles, 17 for losses, and one interception, earning All-American honors. For his career, Upshaw had 140 tackles and 16 1/2 sacks.
The Ravens also finalized deals with third-round running back Bernard Pierce (Temple) and sixth-round wide receiver Tommy Streeter (University of Miami). The team previously agreed to terms with seventh-round defensive tackle DeAngelo Tyson.
Second-round offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele (Iowa State), fourth-round center Gino Gradkowski (Delaware), fourth-round free safety Christian Thompson (South Carolina St.) and fifth-round cornerback Asa Jackson (Cal Poly) each received a four-year deal.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
