First-round draft pick Haason Reddick signed his first NFL contract Thursday.

As the Cardinals wrapped up minicamp Thursday, they also wrapped up the business of signing their draft picks.

First-round selection Haason Reddick, the 13th overall player taken in April's draft, signed his initial contract – the standard four-year deal with the team option for a fifth year, which would be the 2021 season.

Because Deone Bucannon needed ankle surgery and his availability for the beginning of the regular season is in doubt, Reddick has worked most of the offseason with the starting unit as the money linebacker next to veteran Karlos Dansby.

"I feel like things are going great, and I know we're not hitting, but I think this is a good phase without the pads on," Reddick said. "It's more thinking, so you can get the plays down and see what's going on, so when it is time to put the pads on, you pretty much know what you are doing."

Coach Bruce Arians said Thursday that Bucannon is expected to be the lone Cardinals to start training camp next month on the physically unable to perform list, although he said Bucannon is ahead of schedule.

Whenever Bucannon returns, and however Reddick might be used at that point, Reddick said he is prepared for anything.

"I'm looking at (Bucannon's absence) as an opportunity to learn as much as I can as fast as I can to make me a better player," Reddick said. "Being able to go out and soak in all those reps next to Karlos, that's what I look forward to. Listen to (Dansby), view the way he takes control of the defense and the way he communicates.

"I'm literally looking at it as a chance to learn in his shadow, from a learning aspect. I'm a rookie. I'm trying to learn everything I can. If Deone wasn't hurt, maybe I'd be getting second-team reps and I wouldn't be around Los as much. But (Bucannon) has an unfortunate situation, so I get to be around Los way more, and I get to take in way more."