Steelers offensive tackle Willie Colon became only the second NFL rookie draft pick to sign a contract when he came to terms yesterday.

Colon, drafted in the fourth round from Hofstra, signed a three-year contract worth $1,333,500. It includes a $283,500 signing bonus and annual minimum salaries of $275,000, $350,000, $425,000.

The only other drafted rookie with a signed contract is Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams, the first player chosen.

While the overall salary cap increased 18 percent this year, the pool money for rookies increased by just 5 percent. Colon's contract represents an 8.1 percent increase over the 131st pick in the draft in 2005.

"This can be a game of salary cap musical chairs and you don't want to be the last one when the music stops," said Joe Linta, Colon's agent.

Colon, who grew up in the South Bronx, made first-team All-Atlantic 10 after starting every game the past three years at Hofstra.

The Steelers plan to first put the 6-foot-3, 315-pounder at right tackle and believe he also may be able to play guard.

The Steelers have eight other draft picks to sign, including another in the fourth, two in the third, two in the fifth and one each in the first, sixth and seventh rounds.