Spartanburg, SC (Best E Casino) - The Carolina Panthers beat the clock on Saturday, signing running back Jonathan Stewart just before they were scheduled to open training camp. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Stewart was Carolina's top pick in April's draft, taken 13th overall out of Oregon. His signing came one day after the Panthers inked their other first- round pick, offensive tackle Jeff Otah, whom they selected 19th out of Pittsburgh. With the two signings, the Panthers locked up all nine of their draft picks prior to camp.

"It's good to have both of the first rounders in, not only because it's good for them and the team but it eliminates all of the distractions. It's just a good way to start training camp," said Panthers general manager Marty Hurney in a story on the team's website. "I think it's extremely important to have everybody signed, especially the rookies. Every day they miss just compounds how far they get behind, so I think it's extremely valuable to the rookies to be here on time."

The 5-foot-10, 235-pound Stewart is second in Oregon history with 2,891 career rushing yards in three years, and his 4,889 all-purpose yards are good for third. He rushed for a school-record 1,722 yards in 2007 as a junior with 11 touchdowns.

Stewart, who is expected to return kicks for the Panthers in addition to seeing time in the backfield, set an Oregon record with a career kickoff return average of 28.69 yards on 58 returns for 1,664 yards and two touchdowns.