Justin Hardy to Atlanta Falcons: Full Draft-Pick Breakdown

The Atlanta Falcons take their first wide receiver in the NFL draft since the Julio Jones selection at the top of the 2011 NFL draft with the selection of Justin Hardy out of East Carolina. Hardy is a receiver who can play out wide or in the slot and gives Atlanta some needed positional versatility.

Hardy is exactly what the Falcons want when going through their character standards trends and how the Falcons value production. Atlanta needed to add someone to eventually replace Roddy White, and Hardy has a shot at being that guy.

On the field

The Falcons will be getting one of the most productive players in college over the past few years, as Hardy caught 387 passes for 4,541 yards and 35 touchdowns. That's insane collegiate production regardless of what conference he played in. East Carolina isn't known for playing the best competition, but Hardy dominated.

Hardy is a talented route-runner who can create separation at all three levels of the defense. He's able to cut on a dime and despite not having the best straight-line speed, Hardy does compare well to a lot of good underneath and slot receivers in today's NFL.

The Falcons needed someone who could play both inside at slot and out wide to create pressure on defenses and allow Roddy White to have less pressure on him to create plays out wide. Hardy does that very well and could eventually be the replacement for White as the No. 2 receiver in the offense.

Off the field

Justin Hardy wasn't ever arrested, nor was he ever suspended. He's also shown to be a hard worker for the Pirates during his career and earned a spot as a team captain for them during his senior season. He made an impact with the Pirates with his leadership, and they were much better because of it.

The Falcons would love to have someone who works hard like him added to their receiver group with Roddy White and Julio Jones. He could expand on his potential under their guidance. The Falcons got a perfect locker room fit with Hardy.

Why Justin Hardy instead of La'el Collins or Michael Bennett?

Justin Hardy fits a Falcons need that hasn't been addressed in years at wide receiver, but La'el Collins and Michael Bennett are just better all-around football players. The reason why the Falcons wouldn't take someone along the line as opposed to a receiver is kind of puzzling until you dig deeper.

Collins has questions regarding a legal situation that is hurting his NFL draft standing. His reaction to the NFL not taking him in the first two days because of this standing hasn't been ideal, either, as he is coming off like a pouty little baby for teams not taking him in the first two days.

Not taking a defensive tackle yet makes sense for the Falcons, too. Despite Michael Bennett being a fringe first-round talent, the Falcons have defensive tackle pretty much settled with Ra'Shede Hageman, Tyson Jackson, Paul Soliai and Jonathan Babineaux all under contract there for at least two more years.

For more information on Justin Hardy, check out Jon Ledyard‘s scouting report on him.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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