Mario Williams is the top NFL Draft pick

NEW YORK, April 29 (UPI) -- Commissioner Paul Tagliabue Saturday officially announced N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.

The announcement was a formality after Williams' surprise signing by the Houston Texans on Friday night. His contract was worth $54 million over six years, with $26.5 million guaranteed.

Williams, a 6-foot-6, 291-pounder, left the Wolfpack after his junior season and graded well with most NFL scouts and pro football analysts. He was taken ahead of more celebrated players like running back Reggie Bush of Southern California, who won the Heisman Trophy last season, and Texas quarterback Vince Young, a Heisman finalist who led his team to the national championship.

Williams is the first ACC football player ever chosen with the No. 1 overall pick. In three college seasons, he had 175 tackles and 26 1/2 sacks.

In 2005, he set school records with 14 1/2 sacks and 27 1/2 tackles for loss. His sack total was fourth-highest in the nation, and he had the second-most tackles for loss.