Eagles sign 3rd round pick

The Philadelphia Eagles signed defensive end Bryan Smith, the club’s third round draft choice in 2008, to a four-year contract Tuesday.

A two-time All-America selection out of Division I-AA McNeese State, Smith (6-2, 245) was named the Southland Conference Defensive Player of the Year as a junior in 2006 and also finished as a finalist for the Buck Buchanan award after recording career highs in sacks (13 1/2), tackles (84), and tackles for a loss (23).

He finished his senior season with 10 1/2 sacks and 22 1/2 tackles for a loss en route to his second consecutive All-America nomination. Smith appeared in 31 games during his collegiate career, and recorded 31 sacks, 187 tackles and 56 1/2 tackles for a loss.

A native of Newton, Tex, Smith was an all-district performer in both football and basketball at Newton High School. He also lettered in track and finished in third place in the state high jump.