Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying speed, agility, and versatility made him a coveted target for teams looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their offense. Austin’s college career at West Virginia was marked by impressive performances and accolades, showcasing his potential as a game-changer at the professional level.
Tavon Austin’s College Career at West Virginia
Austin’s time at West Virginia was a testament to his exceptional talent and skillset. He was a multi-faceted weapon for the Mountaineers, excelling as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist. His impact on the field was undeniable, as he consistently made big plays and contributed significantly to the team’s success.
- In 2011, Austin earned All-Big 12 honors as a wide receiver, showcasing his ability to create separation and make tough catches. He finished the season with 1,185 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, establishing himself as a dominant force in the conference.
- In 2012, Austin’s versatility was on full display, as he was utilized as both a receiver and a running back. He finished the season with 1,289 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, along with 336 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, further solidifying his status as a dynamic playmaker.
- Austin’s exceptional speed and agility were on full display in the return game, where he averaged 27.4 yards per kickoff return and 17.7 yards per punt return, setting the stage for his electrifying performances in the NFL.
Strengths and Weaknesses as a Prospect
Tavon Austin’s draft profile was a mixed bag, showcasing both strengths and weaknesses that intrigued and concerned NFL teams. His exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability were undeniable, but his size and durability raised questions about his potential for success at the next level.
Strengths
- Elite Speed and Agility: Austin’s speed was his most notable asset, as he was widely considered one of the fastest players in the draft. He possessed exceptional acceleration and agility, making him a nightmare for defenders to cover in the open field.
- Versatility: Austin’s ability to play multiple positions was a significant advantage. He could line up as a wide receiver, running back, or return specialist, providing offensive coordinators with multiple options to utilize his talent.
- Big Play Potential: Austin’s speed and agility allowed him to turn short passes into big gains and break long runs for touchdowns. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Weaknesses
- Size and Durability: Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 178 lbs) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. His lack of size could make him vulnerable to bigger defenders, and his durability was a question mark due to a history of minor injuries.
- Route Running: While Austin’s speed and agility made him a threat in the open field, his route running was considered a work in progress. He needed to develop more precise route-running skills to maximize his potential as a wide receiver.
- Catching Consistency: Austin’s catching ability was inconsistent at times. He could make spectacular catches but also dropped some easy passes, raising concerns about his reliability as a target.
Comparison to Other Wide Receivers in the 2013 Draft
Tavon Austin was part of a talented group of wide receivers in the 2013 draft class, including players like DeAndre Hopkins, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Keenan Allen. Comparing Austin’s draft profile to these other receivers provides valuable insights into his strengths, weaknesses, and eventual NFL success.
- DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins was considered a more polished and consistent receiver than Austin, with better route running and hands. While not as fast as Austin, Hopkins’ size and strength made him a more reliable target in the NFL. Hopkins went on to have a successful career, becoming a Pro Bowler and All-Pro.
- Cordarrelle Patterson: Patterson was a physical specimen with exceptional speed and athleticism, similar to Austin. However, Patterson’s route running and hands were considered weaknesses, limiting his impact in the NFL. Despite his athleticism, Patterson struggled to consistently perform at a high level.
- Keenan Allen: Allen was a more polished receiver than Austin, with good size, hands, and route running ability. While not as fast as Austin, Allen’s overall skillset made him a more well-rounded receiver in the NFL. Allen has had a successful career, becoming a Pro Bowler and establishing himself as a reliable target.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was a fascinating blend of electrifying talent and frustrating inconsistency. Drafted as a dynamic playmaker with the potential to revolutionize offenses, Austin’s career ultimately fell short of expectations, leaving many wondering what could have been.
Tavon Austin’s Early Years with the St. Louis Rams, Tavon austin draft
Austin’s initial years with the St. Louis Rams were marked by flashes of brilliance. He was immediately incorporated into the Rams’ offense, showcasing his versatility as a receiver, running back, and return specialist. His speed and agility were evident from the start, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his explosive plays. In his rookie season, Austin caught 40 passes for 441 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to create big plays. He also established himself as a dangerous returner, taking back a punt for a touchdown. Despite his initial success, Austin’s role in the Rams’ offense evolved over time. He was initially used as a gadget player, deployed on trick plays and designed runs. While this approach allowed him to showcase his unique skill set, it also limited his overall impact on the game.
Tavon Austin’s Inconsistent Performance and Limited Impact
Austin’s inconsistency throughout his NFL career can be attributed to a combination of factors.
- Injuries: Austin was plagued by injuries throughout his career, limiting his ability to stay on the field consistently. He suffered multiple concussions, a hamstring injury, and a broken foot, all of which hampered his productivity.
- Lack of Consistent Usage: Austin’s role in the offense varied from team to team, and he never truly established himself as a reliable and consistent weapon.
- Route Running and Hand Issues: Despite his exceptional speed, Austin struggled with route running and had issues with dropped passes. This lack of refinement in his receiving skills hindered his ability to become a more complete offensive threat.
Comparison to Other Top 10 Picks in the 2013 NFL Draft
Tavon Austin’s career trajectory stands in contrast to some of his fellow top 10 picks in the 2013 NFL Draft.
- Eric Fisher (1st Overall): Fisher, selected by the Kansas City Chiefs, has enjoyed a solid career as a left tackle, becoming a Pro Bowl selection and helping to anchor the Chiefs’ offensive line.
- Luke Joeckel (2nd Overall): Joeckel, selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars, struggled with injuries and inconsistency, failing to live up to his high draft status.
- Dion Jordan (3rd Overall): Jordan, selected by the Miami Dolphins, was a talented defensive end but his career was derailed by off-field issues and injuries.
- Lane Johnson (4th Overall): Johnson, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles, has established himself as one of the best right tackles in the NFL, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.
- Sharrif Floyd (9th Overall): Floyd, selected by the Minnesota Vikings, showed promise as a defensive tackle but his career was cut short due to injuries.
Tavon Austin’s Legacy and Impact
Tavon Austin’s NFL career, though not without its ups and downs, left a lasting mark on the game. His unique skillset, characterized by blazing speed and agility, challenged traditional offensive schemes and sparked innovative approaches to utilizing players with similar attributes. While his career may not have reached the heights initially anticipated, his impact on the game remains undeniable.
Impact on the NFL
Tavon Austin’s impact on the NFL can be seen in his contributions to the Rams and other teams. He was a dynamic weapon for the Rams, showcasing his speed and elusiveness as a receiver, running back, and returner. He was a key player in the Rams’ offensive schemes, posing a constant threat to opposing defenses. His ability to create big plays and stretch the field made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s draft selection in 2013 was a significant moment for the St. Louis Rams, as the team hoped his blazing speed would translate into big plays on the field. Fans can get a glimpse into Austin’s life beyond the gridiron by checking out tavon austin instagram , where he shares glimpses of his personal life and training regimen.
Ultimately, Austin’s draft selection was a gamble that didn’t fully pay off, but his speed and agility remain a testament to his unique athleticism.
Tavon Austin’s draft stock soared thanks to his electrifying speed and agility. He was selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, a testament to his potential. While his career was marked by inconsistency, it’s interesting to consider how his age, which you can find out more about here , might have impacted his performance during his time in the NFL.
Despite the challenges, Austin’s draft selection remains a memorable moment in his football journey.
