Falcons sign five draft picks

FLOWERY BRANCH -- Five Falcons' draft picks, linebacker Prince Shembo, cornerback Ricardo Allen, linebacker Marquis Spruill, linebacker Yawin Smallwood, and linebacker Tyler Starr, all signed contracts with the Falcons on Sunday.

The terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

First-round tackle Jake Matthews, second-round defensive end Ra'Shede Hageman, third-round safety Dezmen Southward and fourth-round running back Devonta Freeman remain unsigned.

The Falcons are following the league trend of trying to wrap up their rookie signings quickly.

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Dezmen Southward ready to compete for playing time

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Explore Round 1 / 6 -- Jake Matthews, RT, 6-5, 308, Texas A&M

Explore Round 2/37 – Ra’Shede Hageman, DE, 6-6, Minnesota

Round 3/68 – Dezmen Southward, FS, 6-0, 211, Wisconsin

Explore Round 4/103 – Devonta Freeman, RB, 5-8, 206, Florida State

Explore Round 4/139 – Prince Shembo, LB, 6-1, 253 Notre Dame

Explore Round 5/147 – Ricardo Allen, CB, 5-9, 187, Purdue

Explore Round 5/168 – Marquis Spruill, LB, 6-1, 231, Syracuse

Explore Round 7/253 – Yawin Smallwood, LB, 6-2, 246, Connecticut

Explore Round 7/255 – Tyler Starr, LB, 6-4, 250, South Dakota

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