FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) – The New England Patriots on Monday signed nose tackle Vince Wilfork, the 21st overall pick in this year’s draft, to a six-year contract that could be worth more than $18 million.

Wilfork is just the second first-round draft pick to sign. He will be guaranteed $6.575 million through 2006, including a $3 million signing bonus and his salary for 2005-06.

Wilfork, who is listed at 325 pounds, had seven sacks in 2002 and six in 2003 at Miami after getting just one as a freshman in 2001.

He joins a team that allowed the fewest points in the NFL last season, 238.

He will contend for a starting spot in the defensive line vacated by the departure of veteran Ted Washington.

New England’s first-round draft pick last year, 13th overall selection Ty Warren, got $6.25 million guaranteed.

Jason Babin, who was taken by Houston with the 27th overall pick, is the only other first-round pick who has signed thus far.

AP-ES-07-19-04 1450EDT