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Bears sign draft picks Mills, Washington

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears agreed to terms on four-year deals with fifth-round draft choice Jordan Mills, an offensive tackle from Louisiana Tech, and sixth-rounder Cornelius Washington, a defensive end out of Georgia, the team announced Tuesday.

They are the first members of the Bears' 2013 draft class to agree to terms on a contract.

The 6-foot-5, 316-pound Mills was a first-team All-WAC selection his senior season.

Mills is projected to begin his Bears career at right tackle but could end up at guard, a position he played his first season at Louisiana Tech. Mills is another addition to the Bears' revamped offensive line, which includes new starting left tackle Jermon Bushrod, right guard Matt Slauson and first-round pick Kyle Long.

Veterans J'Marcus Webb and Jonathan Scott are expected to battle for the starting right tackle spot in training camp, but Mills figures to be in excellent position to earn a place on the club's 53-man roster, if not more.

Washington primarily played outside linebacker in college but will start out as a pass-rushing defensive end in the NFL. Many draft analysts predicted Washington would be selected in the earlier rounds because of his pure athleticism, a trait the Bears value above others.

But Washington fell to the Bears in the sixth round likely due to his lack of consistent on-field production. Washington had just 0.5 sacks and 22 tackles his final year with the Bulldogs.

The Bears will conduct their annual rookie minicamp at Halas Hall next week.