The Redskins have signed their first 2006 draft pick: sixth-rounder Reed Doughty, a safety out of Northern Colorado who was the 173rd overall selection in the draft.

In his rookie year with the Redskins, Doughty is expected to compete for a backup job at free safety and play a role on special teams. The 6-1, 210-pounder is regarded as a solid coverage defender who has the versatility to play either safety position.

At Northern Colorado, a Division I-AA school, Doughty started 46 out of a possible 47 games and finished third in school history in total tackles (466), fifth in career interceptions (14) and eighth in career fumble recoveries (six).

In 2005, Doughty led all I-AA players with 159 total tackles (76 solo) and had four interceptions, eight pass deflections and three forced fumbles.

Among his many accolades, Doughty was the nation's top vote-getter for first-team Academic All-American honors and was one of 16 finalists for the Draddy Trophy, which is also known as the Academic Heisman.

With Doughty signed, the Redskins' front office will turn attention toward signing the remaining draft picks: second-round linebacker Roger "Rocky" McIntosh, fifth-round defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery, sixth-round defensive tackle Kedric Golston, seventh-round offensive lineman Kili Lefotu and seventh-round linebacker Kevin Simon.