Falcons, first-round pick Jerry reach deal

By D. ORLANDO LEDBETTER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Peria Jerry, the Falcons’ first-round draft choice, signed a five-year contract Thursday, the team announced.

Jerry’s signing ensures that the Falcons will have all eight of their draft picks ready for practice when training camp opens on Saturday.

Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Tuesday that he was confident that Jerry’s deal would get done soon, and negotiations with Jerry’s agent, James “Bus” Cook, heated up over the past two days.

Jerry, 6-foot-2, 294 pounds, will get a chance to replace Grady Jackson at defensive tackle. Jackson, 35, was not re-signed.

Jerry was a consensus All-SEC selection at Mississippi and was considered the second-rated defensive tackle in the draft behind Boston College’s B.J. Raji, who was selected by Green Bay with the ninth pick in the draft. Jerry was taken 24th.

The Falcons received a major scare during the first mini-camp when Jerry suffered a mild knee sprain. He was held out of most of the practices and returned to action during organized team activities.

During his college career, Jerry was known for his penetrating moves and stoutness against the run. He registered 11.5 sacks and 33 tackles for losses and was chosen first-team All-American by The Associated Press.

Last season, Tennessee selected running back Chris Johnson with the 24th pick, and he received a five-year, $12 million deal, of which $7 million was guaranteed. Johnson had a base salary of $295,000 in 2008 — followed by $385,000 in 2009, $550,000 in 2010, $800,000 in 2011 and $960,000 in 2012.

The Falcons are in the midst of a major youth movement on defense after not re-signing or choosing to let go five key veteran starters: Jackson, linebackers Keith Brooking and Michael Boley, safety Lawyer Milloy and cornerback Domonique Foxworth.

The team didn’t splurge in free agency, adding only 10-year veteran linebacker Mike Peterson. However, they spent seven of their eight draft picks on defensive players.

Last season, the Falcons’ staff showed that they don’t have a problem with playing rookies as quarterback Matt Ryan, linebacker Curtis Lofton, left tackle Sam Baker, wide receiver Harry Douglas and cornerback Chevis Jackson all saw at least significant playing time.