Broncos sign their top pick, Derek Wolfe

By ARNIE STAPLETON

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The Denver Broncos have signed their top draft pick, defensive tackle Derek Wolfe, to a four-year, $5.2 million contract with $3.2 million in guarantees.

The Denver Post first reported the signing.

Wolfe, taken in the second round, said Monday night "my main concern was playing football, so I wasn't really worried about getting the contract done. But still, it's nice to get it out of the way."

NFL rules, however, preclude Wolfe from joining his teammates at offseason practices until June 8 because his school, the University of Cincinnati, doesn't graduate its 2012 class until next month.

So, Wolfe is home in Lisbon, Ohio, working out on his own. "It stinks," he said. "I like being around my teammates, but you've got to do what you've got to do."

Updated May 21, 2012