Foxboro, MA -- (Sports Network) - The New England Patriots signed linebacker Jerod Mayo, their first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, to an undisclosed contract Thursday.

Mayo, the 10th overall pick in April's draft, recorded 236 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and an interception throughout his three-year career at the University of Tennessee.

As a junior in 2007, the Virginia native started all 14 games at middle linebacker and notched 140 tackles, the highest total for a Volunteer since 1990.

In other moves, New England released recently signed offensive lineman Lavdrim Bauta.