Cliff Avril, a former Purdue defensive end, became the first Lions rookie to sign a contract today.

The Detroit Lions have signed third-round pick Cliff Avril to a three-year deal, Scout.com has confirmed.

The former Purdue University defensive end will receive the following base salaries: (2008) $295,000 (2009) $385,000 (2010) $470,000 along with a signing bonus of $484,000.

We should see the rest of the draft class get inked to contracts in the next couple of weeks in order to ensure all rookies are able to attend training camp.