Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin was a highly touted wide receiver prospect coming out of West Virginia University, known for his electrifying speed and agility. His college career was marked by impressive statistics and highlight-reel plays, leaving many scouts and analysts convinced he had the potential to be a game-changer at the NFL level.
College Career, Tavon austin draft
Austin’s three years at West Virginia were a testament to his explosive playmaking ability. He consistently made big plays, showcasing his speed and agility on the field.
- In 2011, Austin had a breakout season, recording 1,185 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. His impressive performance earned him Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
- He continued his dominance in 2012, racking up 1,289 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in college football.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin’s exceptional speed and agility were his greatest assets. He could outrun defenders, make quick cuts, and change direction with ease. This made him a dangerous threat in the open field, both as a receiver and a return specialist.
- Speed: Austin’s 4.25 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine was a testament to his incredible speed, which made him a threat to break away from defenders at any moment.
- Agility: His agility was equally impressive, allowing him to make sharp cuts and change direction with ease, making him difficult to cover. He was also a dynamic return specialist, capable of taking kickoffs and punts to the house.
- Receiving Ability: While his speed and agility were his most notable strengths, Austin also possessed good hands and route-running ability, which made him a complete receiver.
However, Austin also had some weaknesses.
- Size: His small stature (5’8″, 174 pounds) was a concern for some scouts, as it raised questions about his ability to withstand the physicality of NFL defenses.
- Strength: He lacked the strength to consistently break tackles and fight for extra yards after the catch. This could be a significant limitation against larger, more physical defenders in the NFL.
Comparison to Other Wide Receivers
Austin was compared to other top wide receiver prospects in his draft class, such as Sammy Watkins, Cordarrelle Patterson, and DeAndre Hopkins.
- Sammy Watkins: Watkins was considered the top receiver in the class, known for his size, physicality, and impressive route-running ability. While Austin was faster, Watkins had the edge in terms of size and strength.
- Cordarrelle Patterson: Patterson was another highly touted prospect with incredible speed and explosiveness, similar to Austin. However, Patterson was a more raw prospect with a higher risk-reward profile.
- DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins was a more polished receiver with excellent route-running ability and strong hands. While he lacked Austin’s speed, he was a more reliable target with a higher floor.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Selection and Early Career
The 2013 NFL Draft was a whirlwind of excitement for Tavon Austin, the electrifying West Virginia wide receiver who was widely considered one of the most dynamic playmakers in the class. As the draft unfolded, the St. Louis Rams, seeking to inject some much-needed offensive firepower, made a bold move. With the eighth overall pick, they selected Austin, hoping he would become the sparkplug they desperately needed.
Austin’s arrival in St. Louis was met with high expectations. The Rams envisioned him as a game-changing weapon, a versatile player who could contribute as a receiver, running back, and even returner. His blazing speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a tantalizing prospect, and the Rams believed he could be the missing piece to their offensive puzzle.
Austin’s Early Career with the Rams
Austin’s early career with the Rams was a mixed bag of successes and challenges. He quickly established himself as a dynamic playmaker, showcasing his exceptional athleticism and ability to make big plays. He became a threat to score from anywhere on the field, whether it was catching a pass, running the ball, or returning a kick.
Austin’s impact on the Rams’ offense was undeniable. He provided a much-needed dimension to their attack, forcing defenses to account for his speed and versatility. However, his role with the Rams was often inconsistent, and he struggled to find a consistent rhythm within the offense.
Factors Contributing to Austin’s Limited Success in the NFL
Several factors contributed to Austin’s limited success in the NFL, including his role and utilization. Despite his exceptional athleticism, Austin was never able to establish himself as a consistent receiver. He often struggled to get open against NFL-caliber cornerbacks and lacked the size and strength to win contested catches.
- Limited Role and Utilization: Austin’s role with the Rams was often inconsistent, and he was not always utilized in ways that maximized his strengths. While he was a threat to score from anywhere on the field, he was not always given the opportunity to do so.
- Lack of Consistent Targets: Austin’s lack of consistent targets also contributed to his limited success. He was often overshadowed by other offensive weapons, and the Rams’ offensive scheme did not always prioritize getting him the ball.
- Injuries: Injuries also played a role in Austin’s struggles. He missed significant time with various injuries, which hampered his ability to develop a consistent rhythm and build chemistry with his teammates.
- Inconsistency: Austin’s inconsistency on the field was a major concern. He would have flashes of brilliance, but he was also prone to making mistakes, such as dropping passes or making poor decisions.
While Austin’s time with the Rams was ultimately disappointing, he was still a fan favorite for his electrifying playmaking ability and infectious enthusiasm. He showed glimpses of his potential, but he never quite lived up to the hype that surrounded him coming out of college.
Tavon Austin’s Career Trajectory and Legacy
Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was a fascinating blend of electrifying talent and frustrating inconsistency. Despite his blazing speed and dynamic playmaking ability, Austin’s career never quite reached the heights many predicted. Let’s take a look at the ups and downs of his career and how he ultimately left his mark on the league.
Tavon Austin’s Career Journey
Austin’s career began with a bang, being selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He quickly became a fan favorite, showcasing his incredible speed and agility, returning kicks and punts for touchdowns, and even lining up as a wide receiver. He even had a breakout season in 2014, leading the Rams in receptions and receiving yards.
Austin’s time in St. Louis was marked by both high points and frustrating moments. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he struggled with consistency and injuries, never quite reaching his full potential. In 2017, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he hoped for a fresh start. However, his time in Dallas was short-lived, as he was released after just one season.
Austin then signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, hoping to find a new home. But again, his time there was brief, and he was released after just a few games. Austin’s career ended with a short stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, and he ultimately retired after the season.
Factors Influencing Austin’s Career Longevity
Austin’s career was unfortunately cut short due to a combination of factors. One major challenge was his size. At just 5’8″ and 174 pounds, Austin was often overpowered by larger defenders. This made it difficult for him to consistently make tough catches over the middle or break tackles in the open field.
Another factor was his inconsistency. Austin’s explosive plays were often overshadowed by his tendency to drop passes and make questionable decisions. He also struggled with injuries throughout his career, which limited his ability to stay on the field and build momentum.
Tavon Austin’s Legacy
Despite his career being shorter than many expected, Tavon Austin left a lasting impression on the NFL. He was a true game-breaker, capable of taking any touch to the house. He also helped to usher in a new era of versatility in the NFL, with teams increasingly looking for players who could play multiple positions and contribute on both offense and special teams.
Austin’s legacy will likely be remembered as a player who possessed immense talent but never quite reached his full potential. However, his impact on the game should not be underestimated. He was a fan favorite who brought excitement to every game he played in. And while his career may have been cut short, his legacy as a dynamic playmaker will live on.
