The Chiefs have wrapped up their draft pick signings by reaching a deal with their first-round selection.
Outside linebacker Dee Ford, the No. 23 overall pick, has signed a four-year deal with Kansas City, the club said Saturday.
The 6-foot-2, 243-pound Ford recorded 10.5 sacks for SEC champion Auburn in 2013, including a pair of sacks in the loss in the BCS National Championship Game to Florida State. Then, in the Senior Bowl, Ford won game MVP honors after notching two sacks in the South’s 20-10 victory.
The ninth first-round selection to have reached a contract agreement, Ford is likely to play a reserve role in his first NFL season. The Chiefs are strong at outside linebacker, with Justin Houston and Tamba Hali earning Pro Bowl nods in each of the last two seasons. Nevertheless, Ford seems likely to at least be able to contribute in pass-rush situations.
News of Ford’s signing comes on the first day of the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp. The practices run through Monday.