Patriots Sign Top Draft Pick

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

July 17, 1998 / 6:00 PM EDT / CBS

Running back Robert Edwards, New England's first pick in last April's NFL draft, signed with the Patriots on Friday for a reported $5.7 over five years.

The team has three unsigned draft picks remaining: the other first-rounder, Tebucky Jones, a cornerback from Syracuse;

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second-rounder Tony Simmons, a wide receiver from Wisconsin, and fifth-rounder Ron Merkerson, a linebacker from Colorado.

Training camp begins Sunday.

Edwards, who played at Georgia, will be expected to help fill the role of Curtis Martin, the former rookie of the year who went to the Jets via free agency. Coach Pete Carroll said he wanted Edwards to share those duties with Sedrick Shaw, who played in just one regular-season game after being selected in the third round last year.

Edwards is part of a tradition of Georgia running backs that includes Herschel Walker, Garrison Hearst and Super Bowl MVP Terrell Davis. Despite missing nearly three full games last season with a sprained ankle, Edwards finished with 908 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns last season.

Edwards' agent, Allen Wade, divulged the figures to WBZ-AM.

Previously, the Patriots had signed tight end Rod Rutledge of Alabama (a second-round pick), fullback Chris Floyd of Michigan (third round), defensive tackle Leonta Rheams of Houston (fourth round) and offensive lineman Jason Anderson of Brigham Young (seventh round).