The Buffalo Bills signed seventh-round draft pick Terrance Pennington on Thursday, marking the first draft pick of the Bills to sign with the team. Pennington, who was selected 216th overall, plays offensive tackle.

"I'm very happy and my family is ecstatic and I'm glad I finally got the contract done," said Pennington. "Since I was a little kid this is all I wanted to do was play in the NFL and to do that you have to sign that contract. The day I signed this contract was a lot like signing my letter of intent for college. Of course it's a much different experience, but I woke up this morning thinking, 'Wow I just signed a contract to play in the NFL.'"

Pennington started the past two seasons for New Mexico. In his senior season, he played at left tackle. New Mexico's offense averaged 200 yards rushing per game, and Pennington's efforts were a big part of that.

"One thing he does have is all the physical tools," said Terry Wooden, a scout for the Bills. "I think a guy like him just needs more coaching and reps in practice, but he does have all the tools and that's the most important thing."

Jim McNally, the team's offensive line coach, is impressed with the strength that Pennington has shown so far.

"He has a heck of a reach to push pass rushers around the corner," said McNally. "Obviously he was a seventh round draft choice so he needs to work on some things, but he's a willing kid and he's a good kid. He's pretty smart."

Pennington will continue to learn the left tackle position when training camp starts later this month.