BILLS: Pennington the First Draft Pick to Sign

The Bills began the process of signing their draft picks Thursday as offensive tackle Terrance Pennington became the first of Buffalo's nine selections to agree to terms with the club.

"I'm very happy and my family is ecstatic and I'm glad I finally got the contract done," said Pennington.

The first of two seventh-round picks in the 2006 Draft by the Bills, Pennington fulfilled a life long dream putting his name at the bottom of a professional contract.

"Since I was a little kid this is all I wanted to do was play in the NFL and to do that you have to sign that contract," said Pennington. "The day I signed this contract was a lot like signing my letter of intent for college. Of course it's a much different experience, but I woke up this morning thinking, 'Wow I just signed a contract to play in the NFL.'"

Taken with the 216th overall selection, Pennington was a two-year starter at tackle for New Mexico and played left tackle as a senior. He started 27 games including a stretch of 23 in a row for the Lobos. He also had 63 knockdowns and nine-touchdown resulting blocks in 2005 for an offense that averaged 200 rushing yards per game.

Bills scout Terry Wooden who saw a lot of Pennington in college likes the skill set that the young offensive lineman possesses.

"One thing he does have is all the physical tools," said Wooden. "I think a guy like him just needs more coaching and reps in practice, but he does have all the tools and that's the most important thing."

Bills offensive line coach Jim McNally is most impressed with Pennington's 36-inch arms.

"He has a heck of a reach to push pass rushers around the corner," said McNally. "Obviously he was a seventh round draft choice so he needs to work on some things, but he's a willing kid and he's a good kid. He's pretty smart."

Pennington realizes his hard work will have to continue knowing his contract is anything but guaranteed.

"Everybody is patting me on the back, but to me there's still some work to do because I have to make the team," said Pennington. "I can exhale a little bit knowing that I've signed a contract, but I can't relax. I still have to come to training camp and earn my keep. I've got to strive to keep that contract going."

Pennington who has seen most of his time at left tackle has been working hard since the end of the final minicamp in mid-June.

"I've basically been working out and conditioning and working on the technique that I learned during the OTAs to stay sharp when I go to camp," said Pennington. "I've seen guys that weren't doing anything go to camp and the first couple of days their footwork and technique is off a bit. I want to keep a sharp edge and perfect every technique and know all the plays."

And after signing his rookie contract, Pennington is more anxious than ever to get started.

"It's basically given me more hunger to work my butt off to make the team," said Pennington. "I can't wait to go to camp. I want to show the Bills that I've already made some improvement and show Buffalo that they made a good pick. I will be working hard and playing hard and giving my all so they know they picked a good guy and a good player. I won't do them wrong."