National Football League

Falcons select Indiana RB Tevin Coleman in 3rd round

Published May. 1, 2015 10:17 p.m. ET

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FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) The Atlanta Falcons have taken Indiana running back Tevin Coleman in the third round of the NFL draft in an attempt to address one of the team's most glaring needs.

Coleman set Indiana's record with 2,036 yards rushing in 2014. He couldn't run at the NFL combine due to a broken foot but ran the 40 in 4.39 seconds in his school's pro day.

The team released veteran starting running back Steven Jackson and lost backup Jacquizz Rodgers, who signed with the Bears.

Atlanta returns 2014 rookie Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith at the position.

The Falcons selected LSU cornerback Jalen Collins in the second round.

In a telephone interview with Falcons reporters, Collins confirmed he had three positive drug tests while in college.

The Falcons picked Clemson defensive end Vic Beasley in the first round.

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