Falcons release LB Nicholson, two DBs

The Atlanta Falcons released three players Friday - linebacker Derek Nicholson, cornerback Ronnie Prude and safety Marcus Paschal.

Nicholson was signed by the Falcons as a rookie free agent this offseason and the Florida State graduate participated in the Falcons mini-camp last weekend. Prude and Paschal were both signed as reserve/future free agents by Atlanta on January 7, 2009.