The Pittsburgh Steelers signed their sixth of nine 2006 NFL Draft picks today by inking rookie safety Anthony Smith to a three-year deal. Smith received a signing bonus of $521,000 and will receive salaries of $275,000, $360,000 and $445,000 the next three seasons.
Smith (5-11, 192) was selected in the third round (83rd overall) of this year’s draft out of Syracuse.
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.
"He's a complete safety," secondary coach Darren Perry said on draft day. "He can do it all: He can tackle; he can make plays on the ball; he's a guy that you feel very comfortable with; he's aggressive with the ball; he'll go up and high-point it; and when someone gets some space he can get them on the ground. That's what we look for on this defense -- athletic safeties that can run and make plays on the ball. I think he'll be a good complement to Troy [Polamalu]."
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).