The New Orleans Saints announced the signing of fourth-round defensive tackle Al Woods.

Financial terms were not disclosed, but Woods' four-year deal is expected to be worth nearly $2.25 million dollars.

A late-bloomer, Woods (6-4, 309) started just 16 games during his 41-game career at LSU. A full-time starter in 2009, Woods totaled 33 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss and a quarterback sack, and knocking down a pair of passes at the line of scrimmage.

Overall, Woods was credited with 73 tackles and 3.5 sacks during his college career.

Woods is an effective run-stopper, and that’s the role he’s expected to play for the Saints. Woods does possess above-average athleticism, which gives him a chance to be an effective inside pass-rusher in the NFL.

Woods is the first of the Saints' six picks in the 2010 NFL Draft to sign a contract.