FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) -- The Atlanta Falcons have beefed up their receiving corps by selecting Justin Hardy of East Carolina with the eighth pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft.
Hardy, the FBS career leader with 387 catches, becomes the top candidate for the No. 3 receiver's job behind Julio Jones and Roddy White.
The Falcons need to fill the role after Harry Douglas was released and signed with Tennessee. Hardy averaged 107 catches, 1,294 yards receiving and 9.7 touchdowns the last three years.
In Friday's third round, Atlanta picked Indiana running back Tevin Coleman to compete with Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith for the starting job.