The Atlanta Falcons today signed first round draft pick (24th overall) defensive tackle Peria Jerry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Jerry, 6-2, 294 pounds, graduated from Ole Miss and totaled 132 tackles (79 solo), 11.5 sacks, 33.0 tackles for loss, three passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception in his collegiate career. He also recorded his first career touchdown on a 13-yard fumble return against Vanderbilt in 2008. For his efforts as a senior team captain last season, Jerry was named a first-team All-America selection by the Associated Press and ESPN. He finished the year ranked first in the SEC in tackles for loss (18.0), fifth in quarterback sacks (7.0) and tied for sixth in forced fumbles (two). A consensus first-team All-SEC selection, Jerry also helped the Rebel defense rank second in the conference and fourth in the nation in rush defense (85.5 ypg.) in 2008. He also received the 2008 Most Dedicated Player of the Year Award from the Ole Miss Alumni Association.

Following the inking of Jerry, the Falcons now enter training camp with all eight 2009 NFL Draft selections signed.