The New Orleans Saints were the lone team yet to sign a draft pick -- until Thursday, when they announced they had agreed to terms on a four-year contract with third-rounder Akiem Hicks.
Financial terms weren't disclosed, but as the No. 89 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, Hicks' contract is expected to be worth around $2.7 million and include a signing bonus of $542,900.
Hicks took the scenic route to the NFL, beginning at Sacramento City College before transferring to LSU. Hicks' stay in Baton Rouge ended after a recruiting violation cost him his eligibility. The 6-foot-5, 318-pound defensive tackle went north of the border and enrolled at the University of Regina, where he posted 66 tackles and eight sacks in two seasons.
With the Saints adding free agent Brodrick Bunkley to start next to Sedrick Ellis, Hicks will compete with veteran Remi Ayodele for snaps in the team's tackle rotation.
The Saints still have wide receiver Nick Toon (fourth round), cornerback Corey White (fifth round) and offensive linemen Andrew Tiller (sixth round) and Marcel Jones (seventh round) to sign before training camp.
