PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed second-round draft pick Mike Adams and seventh-round picks David Paulson and Terrence Frederick. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Adams was an All-Big Ten selection at offensive tackle in 2010 and made the second team last year despite being limited to seven games after serving a suspension for violating NCAA rules for accepting improper benefits.
The Steelers are hoping to upgrade their pass protection after allowing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to get sacked 42 times last season. Roethlisberger was injured during most of the 2011 season, including an ankle injury suffered in a loss to the Cleveland Browns that limited his effectiveness.
The 6-foot-4, 241-pound Paulson had 31 receptions for 438 yards and six touchdowns during his senior season with Oregon.
Paulson will join a crowded tight end position that includes Heath Miller, Weslye Saunders and Leonard Pope. Steelers tight end coach James Daniel says Paulson reminds him of a fullback with speed who could contribute on special teams.
Frederick had three interceptions during his career at Texas A&M and led the Aggies with 13 passes defensed as a senior in 2011. The Steelers are looking for depth in the secondary after nickelback William Gay signed a free-agent contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
The 5-foot-10, 187-pound Frederick will also see time on special teams.
