The Dallas Cowboys are surprisingly the first team to have their first-round pick put ink to paper and sign a contract. Dez Bryant signed a five year deal worth $11.5 million, with $8.5 million guaranteed, today. Bryant, selected No. 24 overall, wasn't expected to be signed by the start of camp, so the fact that he is has the Cowboys relieved.

The Cowboys moved up three spots in this year's draft to snag the former Oklahoma State wide receiver. Bryant was an All-American in 2008 when he had 87 catches for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns. He missed most of the 2009 season after lying to NCAA about his activities with former NFL wideout, Deion Sanders. Even with missing part of last season, the Cowboys had seen enough from his previous year to know that he has the ability to be an impact receiver in the NFL.

With the Bryant signing, the precedent has been set for the mid-to-late round picks in this year's draft when it comes to how contracts will be structured. The No. 1 overall pick is typically the first to sign a contract, usually doing so before the day of the actual draft. That was not the case this year as the St. Louis Rams have yet to sign their pick, quarterback Sam Bradford.

NFL dallas cowboys, dez bryant