Falcons sign first-round pick Julio Jones, release Jenkins

ATLANTA -- 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.

-- NOTE: The Falcons also announced today that they have released defensive end Jamaal Anderson and wide receiver Michael Jenkins.

Anderson was originally drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In four seasons, Anderson made 142 tackles, 3.5 sacks and forced two fumbles. Jenkins, meanwhile, was drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. In seven seasons, he caught 276 passes for 3,487 yards and 20 touchdowns.