Former South Dakota State University football players Mitch Erickson and Chris Wagner signed free agent contracts with a pair of AFC West teams following the conclusion of this weekend's NFL Draft.

Erickson, a 6-foot-6, 285-pound offensive lineman, signed with the Denver Broncos. A native of Hutchinson, Minn., Erickson started all 44 of the team’s games at either guard or tackle during his Jackrabbit career from 2004-07. Selected as an All-American by The Associated Press, American Football Coaches Association and College Sporting News following his senior season, Erickson was part of an offensive unit that averaged 34.2 points per game and allowed only 12 sacks during the 2007 campaign.

Wagner, a 6-foot-6, 255-pound tight end, signed with the Oakland Raiders. The Brookings native earned first-team all-Great West Football Conference honors as a junior, when he caught 24 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns. He added 25 receptions for 249 yards and four scores in 2007, when he earned second-team all-conference recognition.

Both players are expected to report to their respective teams' minicamps in early May.