Top pick Mayo signs with Patriots

First-round pick reports for second practice Thursday

The Patriots reached five-year deal with first-round pick Jerod Mayo today worth $18.9 million, with $13.8 million in guarantees and bonuses. The rookie inside linebacker, drafted with the 10th pick overall in April's draft, was not present at the team's morning practice but participated in the evening session today, the first day of training camp.

By comparison, last year's No. 10 overall pick, Houston Texans defensive lineman Amobi Okoye received a six-year, $15.4 million deal with $12.7 million in bonuses/guarantees.

In this case, the five-year deal negotiated by Sean Kiernan and Mitch Frankel is to Mayo's advantage as it will get him to free agency faster. The top 16 picks are eligible to be signed to six-year deals.

The 6-foot, 1-inch, 242-pound linebacker from the University of Tennessee, who is represented by agent Sean Kiernan, is expected to immediately compete for playing time at inside linebacker in the team's 3-4 defensive scheme. He had said earlier this month that he was eager to get to camp on time.

May was seen on the field today chatting with fellow linebacker Victor Hobson.