National Football League

Falcons sign first-round pick Julio Jones

Published Jul. 29, 2011 1:08 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Atlanta Falcons have signed wide receiver Julio Jones, the sixth overall selection in the NFL draft.

The Falcons also signed linebacker Akeem Dent, a third-round pick from Georgia, and running back Jacquizz Rodgers, a fifth-round pick from Oregon State, on Thursday.

The Falcons have signed each of their six draft picks in time for Friday's first practice of training camp.

Jones caught 179 passes for 2,653 yards and 15 touchdowns in 40 games at Alabama. He is expected to join Pro Bowl receiver Roddy White as one of quarterback Matt Ryan's top big-play targets.