FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons today signed fifth round (138th overall) draft selection, linebacker Robert James to a four-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
James, 5-11, 218 pounds, compiled 174 tackles in his four-year career at Arizona State while contributing with five interceptions and 5.5 sacks for a loss of 55 yards. He earned the starting role in his senior season and was voted the Sun Devils Most Valuable Defensive Player after logging a career-high 106 stops. James also earned All-America and All-Pac 10 Conference recognition following the 2007 campaign when the ASU defense improved 21 positions nationally in total defense.
James is the ninth of 11 draft picks to be signed by the Falcons prior to the start of Russell Falcons Training Camp. Other draft picks who have signed include: quarterback Matt Ryan (first round, 3rd overall), cornerback Chevis Jackson (third round, 68th overall), wide receiver Harry Douglas (third round, 84th overall), safety Thomas DeCoud (third round, 98th overall), defensive end Kroy Biermann (fifth round, 154th overall), running back Thomas Brown (sixth round, 172nd overall), cornerback Wilrey Fontenot (seventh round, 212th overall) and tight end Keith Zinger (seventh round, 232nd overall).
