Steelers Sign Fifth-Round Draft Pick

PITTSBURGH — Rookie linebacker Rian Wallace today became the second of eight Steelers’ 2005 draft picks to sign a contract with the team after agreeing to a three-year deal. Financial terms were not released.

Wallace (6-2, 243) was selected by the Steelers in the fifth round (166th overall) of last April’s NFL Draft after earning All-Big East honors in his final two seasons at Temple. He will compete for one of the team’s inside linebacker positions.

Despite leaving school after his junior season, Wallace recorded 325 career tackles (192 solos), two sacks, 31_ tackles for losses and two interceptions. He also recovered five fumbles, forced two others and registered nine pass deflections. Wallace started 29 of the 34 games he played in during his college career.

Wallace joins offensive guard Chris Kemoeatu, who was selected by the team in the sixth round, as the first two draft picks to sign with the team this year.