Saints Sign Top Draft Pick

Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis, the New
Orleans Saints' top draft pick last spring, ended his contract
holdout tonight.
Saints spokesman Greg Bensel says Ellis, picked seventh overall
out of Southern California, agreed to a five-year contract. He did
not disclose financial terms.
Ellis, an All-America selection and the Pac-10 Conference
defensive player of the year in 2007, is expected to compete for a
starting role immediately. In 13 games last season for USC, Ellis
had 58 tackles, 12.5 tackles for losses and 8.5 sacks. He also was
credited with breaking up seven passes.
Coaches say Ellis impressed them in rookie camp and minicamp.
However, he'll have some catching up to do after missing the first
12 practices of training camp.
Bensel says Ellis is expected to arrive in Jackson on
Wednesday.