Defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy, the first-round choice of the St. Louis Rams, has reached an agreement on his first NFL contract, ESPN.com has learned.

The former Penn State star, and the 12th player selected overall in the draft, Kennedy will sign a four-year contract with an option for a fifth season. Although complete financial details of the contract were not immediately available, the deal includes about $7 million in guaranteed funds.

That guaranteed money includes the initial signing bonus, a second-tier option bonus, a roster bonus and even some guaranteed base salary. Because of the Rams' rookie pool number, and the fact Kennedy was the last of the team's choices to reach contract terms, both sides had to exercise some creativity.

The league must still approve the contract language.

Kennedy, 23, was a starter for 3 ½ seasons at Penn State and should play quickly in the Rams' interior defensive line rotation. He did not make a great first impression in spring mini-camps, when he reported out of shape, and injured himself in an early workout. But he has improved his conditioning and should be a solid contributor.

At Penn State, he had 213 tackles, 14 sacks, one interception and 28 pressures. Kennedy was a two-time All-American and possesses a formidable combination of size (6-feet-4 and 320 pounds) and quickness.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.