Via their official Twitter feed, the Patriots have announced the first of their draft-pick signings, with sixth-rounder Ted Larsen agreeing to terms.

Larsen's a center with the flexibility to play guard, and will likely battle with Dan Connolly and Rich Ohrnberger, among others, for a roster spot behind the the starters on the interior of the offensive line. His ability to play center will most certainly be an asset in that fight.

A little early for one of these signings? Yes, it is, and I'd doubt you see too many more of them right now.

The team can carry their draft picks without having them count against the 80-man roster limit through the spring. The Patriots have been carrying 89 players (including the picks), and with each draft pick signed, another spot is taken away. And Larsen isn't just the first Patriot draft pick to sign, his among the first handful or so of guys from his entire draft class to sign.

That means with 12 unsigned draft picks, the team could have 92 players on the roster. With Larsen's signing, that number dips to 91, meaning two more guys could sign without the team going over the limit.

UPDATE (4:16 p.m.): Our pal Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post and the Carroll County Times reports the deal is for four years with a max value of $1.87 million and an $80,000 signing bonus.