Falcons' top pick Peria Jerry learning the ropes

By D. Orlando Ledbetter

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

FLOWERY BRANCH — Falcons rookie defensive lineman Peria Jerry would rather have been sleeping.

But after exhausting two-a-day practices, Jerry and fellow rookie defensive linemen Vance Walker, Lawrence Sidbury and Maurice Lucas recently had to perfect their singing and dancing routine.

Their day to entertain the team — a rookie ritual — was coming up. When it came, the group — dubbed RDL4 — performed a rhythm-and-blues song, “In My Bed” by Dru Hill.

“We had a little dance to go with it,” Walker said. “We didn’t get booed. They said it was the best one so far.”

Jerry, the Falcons’ first-round draft pick and the 24th player selected overall, is blending in with his new environment while he’s picking up the NFL’s tricks of the trade.

When Jerry does get a break from practice and meetings and is not performing, he usually tries to sleep or at least get off his feet.

But Jerry, who turns 25 on Saturday, does squeeze in some fun. “Computer games, cards, anything to have fun and interact with one another,” Jerry said.

The popular game in the Falcons dormitory is Madden 2010. “This guy right here [offensive lineman Ryan Stancheck] has got it, but he’s no good,” Jerry said. “He’s a rookie, and he’s really a rookie.”

Who’s his favorite team? “The Falcons,” Jerry said. “I can’t believe you asked that.”

Since signing his five-year, $10.35 million contract, Jerry hasn’t had time for much shopping.

“I really haven’t just got myself anything to reward myself with,” Jerry said. “It’s really mainly things I need right now, instead of the things I want.”

He’s about to check off the biggest of the necessities: a roof over his head.

In the offseason, during organized team activities, Jerry was scouting the subdivisions in the area and now is set to close on a five-bedroom house that has vaulted ceilings and a fireplace.

“It’s nice,” Jerry said. “I got it all.”

Jerry wanted enough space for his family. When they come up for games, they can stay with him and get some rest before driving back to Batesville, Miss.

When training camp breaks next week, Jerry’s house will be ready to move into. Kevin Winston, the Falcons’ senior director of player development, has taken care of setting up the utilities.

“I really appreciate all of the things he’s taken off my shoulders while I’m here preparing for what I’ve got to do,” Jerry said. “When I get done, after camp, the only thing I have to do is really go home.”

On the field, Jerry appears to be on the Curtis Lofton developmental plan. Like Lofton last season, Jerry didn’t start his first exhibition season game.

When the Falcons thought Lofton was ready, he started in the regular season as a rookie. Jerry, who entered the game Saturday for starter Thomas Johnson, made one assisted tackle against the Lions.

“He did all right for his first game,” defensive line coach Ray Hamilton said. “He’s got to get in there and get used to the speed of the game.”

The Falcons are hoping he can help fill a void at nose tackle. Grady Jackson, last season’s starter, left during free agency to sign with Detroit.

“He is going through that learning curve that all of our rookies are going through,” Falcons coach Mike Smith said. “He’ll become more and more comfortable over these next three weeks.”

Jerry is happy that his first NFL game is behind him.

“I had a lot of fun,” Jerry said. “It was a great experience. Now, I have a feel for how it’s going to be. I think that will help me adjust to it a little quicker.”

Especially since the performance is over, Jerry can keep squashing people in Madden and start shopping for some furniture for his new house.