Steelers Sign First of Two Third-Round Picks

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers signed their sixth of nine 2006 NFL Draft picks today by inking rookie safety Anthony Smith to a multi-year deal. Financial terms of the deal were not released.

Smith (5-11, 192) was selected in the third round (83^rd overall) of this year's draft out of Syracuse. He was the first of two third-round selections for the Steelers prior to wide receiver Willie Reid being chosen later in the third round.

Smith recorded 293 tackles in his career with the Orange, the third-best total by a defensive back in school history. He finished with 14 career interceptions and holds the Syracuse career record with six blocked kicks.

A first-team All-Big East selection as a senior, Smith posted 71 tackles (50 solo) with three sacks and five tackles for losses. He also recovered three fumbles and caused two more.

The other five draft picks who have signed already with the team are offensive lineman Willie Colon (4a), defensive end Orien Harris (4b), tight end Charles Davis (5b), center Marvin Philip (6) and running back Cedric Humes (7).