Top pick among three Falcons rookies unsigned

Monday, July 25, 2005 | 9:19 a.m.

SUN WIRE SERVICES

Wide receiver Roddy White could be one of three Falcons' draft picks to miss today's season-opening practice after failing to reach contract terms as of late last night.

Fourth-round selection Chauncey Davis, a defensive end from Florida State, and linebacker Michael Boley, an outside linebacker from Southern Mississippi selected in the fifth round, join White as unsigned picks.

The Falcons open training camp at 2:30 p.m. today.

"In this system, there's absolutely no reason for a holdout," president and general manager Rich McKay said. "But I sit here (Sunday) after discussions and can't say I'm overly optimistic that the No. 1will be in (today). But that can change awfully quickly."

The Falcons reached terms Sunday with second-round pick Jonathan Babineaux, third-round selection Jordan Beck, fifth-round Frank Omiyale, sixth-round pick DeAndra Cobb and seventh rounder Darrell Shropshire.

McKay was more optimistic that later-round selections would come to terms before White (27th overall), whose absence could slow the momentum he generated in offseason minicamp and team activities.

Neil Schwartz, who represents White, declined comment Sunday.

Orton, a fourth-round draft pick, was considered a Heisman Trophy candidate until he tore an abdominal muscle midway through the season.

Orton completed 58.8 percent of his passes for 9,337 yards and 63 touchdowns with 28 interceptions at Purdue. He had seven 300-yard passing games, including one 500-yard game and two 400-yard games.

Running back Cedric Benson is the Bears' only remaining unsigned pick.

Brown, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, is waiting to sign after top choice Alex Smith reaches an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers.

Roth, a defensive end and second-round pick, signed a five-year deal. Vickerson, a defensive tackle and seventh-round choice, signed for two years.

Also signed was veteran receiver Danny Farmer, who didn't play last season. The Dolphins waived defensive end Vann Brown and safety Atari Bigby, both signed as undrafted college free agents, and released cornerback Brandon Haw.

Safety Chris Akins, defensive tackle Larry Chester, linebacker Eddie Moore and cornerback Will Poole were placed on the active-physically unable to perform list.

Vickerson and cornerback Shirdonya Mitchell went on the active-non-football injury list. Tackle Tony Pape went on the reserve-did not report list.