HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -The New York Jets signed offensive lineman Jacob Bender, the team's sixth-round draft pick, on Thursday.
The 6-foot-6, 315-pound Bender played in 42 games, including 31 starts, in four seasons at Nicholls State. He was a two-time All-Southland Conference first-team selection and helped lead the Colonels to their first Southland Conference championship in 2005.
Bender is expected to give the Jets depth on the offensive line, including at left tackle where he could serve as a backup to D'Brickashaw Ferguson. He might also see playing time at right tackle and possibly some at guard.
Bender is the first of the Jets' four draft picks to sign. Cornerback Darrelle Revis (first round), linebacker David Harris (second round) and wide receiver Chansi Stuckey (seventh round) have yet to sign.