Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and electrifying playmaker, entered the 2013 NFL Draft with a reputation for his explosive speed, agility, and versatility. Austin’s college career at West Virginia University showcased his exceptional talent and potential as a professional football player.
College Career at West Virginia
Austin’s time at West Virginia was marked by a string of impressive performances, solidifying his status as one of the most exciting prospects in college football. He was a dual-threat weapon for the Mountaineers, excelling as a wide receiver and a dynamic return specialist.
- In his senior season (2012), Austin amassed 1,289 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to create big plays and generate explosive offense.
- He also showcased his exceptional speed and elusiveness as a punt and kick returner, returning three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns.
- His electrifying performances earned him numerous accolades, including the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver and the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin’s draft profile presented a compelling blend of strengths and weaknesses that intrigued NFL teams. His strengths were undeniable, but his weaknesses raised questions about his potential at the professional level.
Strengths
- Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin possessed a rare combination of speed and agility that allowed him to separate from defenders and make game-changing plays. He could outrun defenders in the open field and make sharp cuts to avoid tackles.
- Versatility: Austin’s versatility was a major asset. He could line up as a wide receiver, slot receiver, and return specialist, making him a valuable offensive weapon.
- Big Play Ability: Austin’s explosiveness and speed made him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He had the ability to turn short passes into long gains and break long runs on returns.
Weaknesses
- Size and Strength: Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 179 pounds) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. His lack of size could make him vulnerable to bigger defenders, particularly in contested catches and blocking assignments.
- Route Running: While Austin was a talented receiver, his route running needed refinement. His quickness and agility allowed him to create separation on short routes, but his ability to run complex routes and get open against tight coverage was questioned.
Comparison with Other Wide Receivers, Tavon austin draft pick
Tavon Austin’s draft profile was often compared to other notable wide receivers drafted in the same year, including:
- DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans): Hopkins, a physical and reliable receiver from Clemson, was considered a more polished prospect than Austin, but lacked Austin’s explosiveness. He was drafted 27th overall, highlighting the difference in perception between the two receivers.
- Cordarrelle Patterson (Minnesota Vikings): Patterson, a dynamic return specialist and receiver from Tennessee, shared similarities with Austin in terms of explosiveness and versatility. He was drafted 29th overall, demonstrating that NFL teams valued his potential as a game-changer.
The St. Louis Rams’ Draft Strategy: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
The St. Louis Rams’ selection of Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft was a bold move that reflected their desire to inject explosive playmaking ability into their offense. The Rams, under head coach Jeff Fisher, were in the midst of a rebuild, and they saw Austin as a dynamic weapon who could help them compete in a tough NFC West division.
The Rams’ Needs and Draft Strategy
The Rams’ draft strategy leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft was focused on addressing their needs on both sides of the ball. They had a young quarterback in Sam Bradford, but their offensive line was a concern. Defensively, they were looking to add talent in the secondary and at linebacker. The Rams’ front office, led by general manager Les Snead, had a clear vision for the team’s future, and they were confident that Austin was the best player available at that point in the draft.
- The Rams were looking for a player who could create big plays in the passing game. Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a perfect fit for their offense.
- They also wanted a player who could contribute on special teams. Austin’s versatility made him a valuable asset in that regard.
- The Rams were aware of Austin’s size concerns, but they believed that his skill set outweighed his physical limitations.
The Impact of Austin’s Selection on the Rams’ Offensive Scheme
Austin’s selection had a significant impact on the Rams’ offensive scheme. He was a versatile weapon who could be used in a variety of ways.
- The Rams used Austin in the slot, out wide, and in the backfield.
- They also used him on jet sweeps and other gadget plays.
- Austin’s presence gave the Rams’ offense a new dimension.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and electrifying player, entered the NFL with immense expectations. His explosive speed, agility, and versatility made him a coveted prospect. However, his NFL career was marked by both flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistencies.
Performance Statistics and Key Highlights
Austin’s NFL career was a mixed bag, characterized by moments of brilliance interspersed with bouts of inconsistency. He showcased his explosiveness as a receiver, return specialist, and even as a running back, but he struggled to maintain consistency and fulfill his immense potential.
- In his rookie season with the Rams in 2013, Austin had a promising start, recording 40 receptions for 418 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also showcased his dynamic return abilities, returning a punt for a touchdown in Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts. However, his production declined in subsequent seasons, with his receiving yards and touchdowns decreasing.
- During his four seasons with the Rams, Austin’s most productive season came in 2015, where he caught 58 passes for 514 yards and 3 touchdowns. However, he was hampered by injuries and inconsistencies throughout his time in St. Louis.
- After his time with the Rams, Austin had brief stints with the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers, but he failed to make a significant impact on either team. He retired from the NFL in 2019.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin’s unique skill set made him a fascinating player to watch, but he also had some limitations that prevented him from becoming a truly dominant force.
- Strengths: Austin’s exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness were his greatest assets. He could make defenders miss in the open field and create big plays with his explosive runs. He was also a dangerous return specialist, with a knack for finding the end zone.
- Weaknesses: Austin’s size and strength were limitations. He struggled to create separation against bigger, stronger cornerbacks, and he was susceptible to injuries. His route running and hands also required improvement.
Challenges and Opportunities
Austin faced several challenges during his NFL career. His small stature made it difficult for him to consistently win against larger defenders, and he struggled to stay healthy throughout his career. However, he also had opportunities to showcase his talent and make a significant impact.
- Challenges: One of the biggest challenges Austin faced was his inability to consistently create separation from defenders. His size and strength were limitations, and he struggled against bigger, more physical cornerbacks. He also had a history of injuries, which limited his playing time and hampered his progress.
- Opportunities: Austin had opportunities to showcase his talent and make a significant impact in the NFL. His explosive speed and agility made him a dangerous weapon in the open field, and he was a valuable asset as a return specialist. However, he was unable to capitalize on these opportunities consistently.
Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin, a dynamic playmaker known for his blazing speed, was selected by the St. Louis Rams with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, filled with exciting prospects, and Austin’s selection was a testament to his potential to electrify the league.
While his career didn’t quite reach the heights some predicted, Austin’s speed and agility made him a fan favorite and a constant threat on the field.
Tavon Austin was a highly touted draft pick, known for his blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability. After a few seasons with the Rams, he found himself in Green Bay, looking to reignite his career. You can read more about Tavon Austin’s time with the Green Bay Packers to see how his tenure unfolded.
While his time in Green Bay was brief, his draft selection still serves as a reminder of his immense potential and the excitement he brought to the game.
