OWINGS MILLS — Offensive lineman Marshal Yanda became the first member of the Baltimore Ravens’ rookie draft class to sign with the defending AFC North champions, inking a three-year contract Wednesday morning.
The third-round draft pick’s deal includes base salaries of $285,000 in 2007, $370,000 in 2008 and $460,000 in 2009, according to NFL Players Association figures.
Drafted 86th overall, the former University of Iowa standout’s contract includes a signing bonus that represents a slight increase over the $640,750 received by last year’s pick at his slot: New England Patriots tight end Dave Thomas.
Yanda has operated at left and right tackle during minicamps, but also can play offensive guard.
The Ravens traded fourth, fifth and sixth-round picks to obtain Yanda, a late-developing junior college transfer who emerged as a second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection under the tutelage of former Baltimore offensive line coach Kirk Ferentz.
Meanwhile, the Ravens have reached an agreement in principle with rookie outside linebacker Antwan Barnes on a three-year deal with a total worth of $1.402 million, according to NFL Players Association figures.
The fourth-round draft pick from Florida International’s deal carries base salaries of $285,000 in 2007, $370,000 in 2008 and $460,000 in 2009 along with a $287,000 signing bonus.
Barnes, who has 4.45 speed and could wind up with a third-down role as well as special-teams duties, is a situational pass rusher who registered a school-record 23 career sacks. He forced six fumbles, returned two interceptions for touchdowns and blocked three kicks.
“He’s an explosive player,†general manager Ozzie Newsome said after drafting the 6-foot-1, 240-pounder with the 134th overall pick.
Once Barnes formally signs, the Ravens will have five more draft selections, including first-round offensive guard Ben Grubbs, to strike deals with before players report to training camp in Westminster on July 29.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
