2014 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons select Devonta Freeman with 103rd overall pick

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Devonta Freeman (8) runs the ball during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game against the Auburn Tigers at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

To starts things off on the third day of the 2014 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons used their fourth round pick (and 103rd overall selection) to address depth at running back with Devonta Freeman from Florida State.

This is the first offensive player the Falcons have taken since the first round when the team selected offensive tackle Jake Matthews.

Here are Freeman’s strengths and weaknesses according to CBS Sports:

"STRENGTHS: Compactly built and has worked hard to fill out his frame. Quick-footed with strong plant-and-go burst to change directions, accelerating to top speed quickly. Fluid ankles to make sharp cuts and make defenders miss in space with his start/stop quickness. Runs with balance and a low center of gravity to stay on his feet after contact.Lowers his pads and powers forward or bounces off tacklers and keeps his legs churning. Delivers hits and won’t leave yards on the field, running much more physical, tough and determined than he looks. Excellent job following his blocks and slicing through the defense with controlled lateral burst.Good effort and toughness in pass protection with aggressive hands and quick feet to mirror and was also used quite a bit as a lead blocker in Florida State’s offense. Reliable pass catcher.Durable and didn’t miss any time due to injury in college. Productive three seasons in Tallahassee, setting career-bests as the leading rusher for the Seminoles National Title team in 2013.WEAKNESSES: Frame appears maxed out and lacks room to get much bigger. Doesn’t have ideal power and will struggle to break tackles as an inside runner. Lacks the body strength to drag tacklers. Too much east-west at times and often gets caught looking for the home run. Good speed, but lacks a second gear downfield to run way from defenders.Quick feet in pass protection, but lacks a stout anchor and can be run over by rushers. Has a few fumbles on his resume and needs to improve his ball security. Was part of a loaded backfield in college and was able to stay fresh with only two career games with 20+ carries, leading to questions about the workload he can handle in the NFL."

In the short term, it will be interesting to see how Freeman fits with both Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers still on the roster, but there is real upside here. Stay tuned for all of our draft coverage.