The Bengals got the ball rolling on signing their draft picks by inking seventh-round wide receiver Mario Alford and they continued the process on Tuesday.
The team announced that sixth-round safety Derron Smith has agreed to his four-year deal with the team. That leaves the Bengals with seven more picks to sign before they have everyone under contract.
Smith was a highly productive player at Fresno State, finishing his career with 15 interceptions and three selections to the All-Mountain West team in his final three years at the school. Smith flashed the ability to play both in the box and in coverage during his time in Fresno and scouts also liked his ability to match up on receivers in the slot.
He was expected to go a bit earlier than the sixth round, but his height -- Smith is 5-10 -- and a sports hernia surgery that kept him from working out in the combine may have worked against him. His versatility should help him in the quest for a roster spot, especially if it extends to producing on special teams.
