Tavon Austin Draft A Tale of Potential and Reality

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile

Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and versatility. He was a dynamic playmaker for West Virginia University, showcasing his talent as a wide receiver and return specialist. His draft profile was intriguing, drawing both excitement and concerns from NFL teams.

Athleticism and Skillset

Austin’s athleticism was undeniable. He was a track star in high school, running a blazing 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. This speed translated to the football field, where he could leave defenders in the dust with his quick cuts and explosiveness. Austin possessed exceptional agility and balance, allowing him to navigate tight spaces and make defenders miss. He was also a gifted route runner, able to create separation with his speed and sharp cuts. His versatility was another key attribute, as he excelled in both the slot and outside receiver positions. Austin was also a dangerous return specialist, showcasing his speed and vision to break long returns.

Pre-Draft Scouting Reports, Tavon austin draft

Scouting reports highlighted Austin’s strengths, including his exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability. They lauded his ability to create big plays in both the passing game and return game. However, concerns were raised regarding his size. At 5’8″ and 174 pounds, he was considered undersized for a wide receiver in the NFL. Some scouts questioned his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL game and compete against bigger, stronger defenders.

Potential and Concerns Regarding Size and Position Fit

Austin’s size was a significant talking point leading up to the draft. While his speed and agility were undeniable assets, his lack of size raised questions about his ability to win contested catches and handle the physicality of the NFL. Some scouts believed he would be best suited as a slot receiver, where he could utilize his speed and agility to create mismatches. Others envisioned him as a gadget player, capable of making plays on offense and special teams. Ultimately, his draft position and future success would depend on how teams assessed his potential and addressed their concerns regarding his size and position fit.

The 2013 NFL Draft and Austin’s Selection: Tavon Austin Draft

The 2013 NFL Draft saw Tavon Austin selected by the St. Louis Rams with the eighth overall pick, marking a pivotal moment in his career and setting the stage for his journey in the professional league. The Rams, under the guidance of then-head coach Jeff Fisher, were in the midst of rebuilding their roster and sought to add explosive playmakers to their offense.

The Rams’ decision to draft Austin was a calculated one, driven by their desire to inject dynamism and unpredictability into their offensive scheme. They envisioned him as a versatile weapon, capable of lining up at various positions, including wide receiver, running back, and even returning kicks. Austin’s exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness were seen as key assets that could transform the Rams’ offense into a more explosive unit.

Austin’s Draft Position in Relation to Other Notable Players

The 2013 draft was a star-studded event, with numerous players who went on to achieve significant success in the NFL. Austin’s selection at eighth overall placed him among a group of talented players, including:

• Luke Joeckel (OT, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2nd overall): A highly touted offensive tackle, Joeckel was expected to be a cornerstone for the Jaguars’ offensive line for years to come.
• Eric Fisher (OT, Kansas City Chiefs, 1st overall): Fisher was another highly-rated offensive tackle, selected first overall by the Chiefs. He became an immediate starter and helped solidify their offensive line.
• Geno Smith (QB, New York Jets, 39th overall): Smith was a highly-touted quarterback prospect who was selected in the second round by the Jets. He struggled to find consistency in the NFL, but he had moments of brilliance.
• DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Houston Texans, 27th overall): Hopkins emerged as one of the most dominant wide receivers in the league, known for his exceptional route running and hands. He was selected in the first round by the Texans.
• Cordarrelle Patterson (WR, Minnesota Vikings, 29th overall): Patterson was a highly athletic wide receiver with exceptional speed and explosiveness. He was drafted by the Vikings in the first round and became a key offensive weapon.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career

Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a rollercoaster ride of explosive plays, frustrating injuries, and inconsistent production. While he showcased flashes of brilliance and electrifying athleticism, he never fully lived up to the expectations that came with being a top-10 draft pick.

Austin’s Statistical Performance

Austin’s statistical performance throughout his NFL career reflects a player with immense potential but also one who struggled with consistency and durability. Here is a table detailing his stats across his seasons:

Season	Team	Games Played	Receptions	Receiving Yards	Touchdowns	Rushing Attempts	Rushing Yards	Rushing Touchdowns
2013	St. Louis Rams	16	40	418	2	58	343	4
2014	St. Louis Rams	15	58	573	2	34	155	0
2015	St. Louis Rams	14	52	471	2	26	102	0
2016	Los Angeles Rams	15	50	478	2	17	88	1
2017	Dallas Cowboys	15	27	236	1	11	35	0
2018	Dallas Cowboys	11	13	124	0	1	4	0

Highlights and Low Points of Austin’s Career

Austin’s career was punctuated by moments of brilliance and frustrating setbacks. He showcased his dynamic playmaking ability with several memorable performances.

• Week 1 of 2013: In his NFL debut against the Arizona Cardinals, Austin had a game-changing performance, racking up 139 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. This game established him as a threat in both the running and passing game.
• Week 12 of 2013: Against the Indianapolis Colts, Austin exploded for 184 receiving yards, including a 91-yard touchdown reception, demonstrating his ability to break big plays.
• Week 14 of 2014: In a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Austin showcased his explosiveness with a 73-yard touchdown reception, highlighting his game-breaking speed.

However, Austin’s career was also marred by injuries that limited his playing time and hindered his progress.

• 2014: Austin suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 11, sidelining him for the remainder of the season. This injury marked the beginning of a pattern of recurring injuries that would plague his career.
• 2015: Austin continued to struggle with injuries, including a hamstring strain that hampered his productivity.
• 2016: Austin missed several games due to a variety of injuries, including a sprained foot and a concussion. This ongoing battle with injuries became a recurring theme throughout his career.

Factors Contributing to Austin’s Success and Struggles

Several factors contributed to both Austin’s success and struggles in the NFL. His electrifying speed and agility made him a dangerous weapon in the open field, but his size and durability proved to be limitations.

• Lack of Size and Durability: Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 174 pounds) made him vulnerable to bigger defenders, particularly in the running game. His susceptibility to injuries also limited his ability to consistently stay on the field.
• Inconsistency in Route Running and Hands: Despite his speed, Austin struggled with consistency in route running and occasionally dropped passes, which limited his effectiveness as a receiver.
• Role and Utilization: Teams struggled to effectively utilize Austin’s unique skillset. He was often used in gadget plays and as a return specialist, rather than being given a more prominent role as a receiver.

Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s draft stock was sky-high, and rightfully so. He was a blur on the field at West Virginia, leaving defenders in the dust with his incredible speed and agility. You can see just how electrifying he was in college by checking out tavon austin college highlights.

It’s no wonder the Rams snagged him in the first round. He was a dynamic player with the potential to be a game-changer, and that’s exactly what he was for a few years in the NFL.

Tavon Austin was a super-hyped draft prospect coming out of West Virginia. He was known for his blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability. While his draft stock was high, his NFL career didn’t quite live up to the hype. You can check out his stats for yourself tavon austin nfl stats , but even with his explosive potential, he struggled to find consistent success in the league.

Ultimately, Austin’s NFL career serves as a reminder that even the most highly touted draft prospects don’t always translate their college success to the professional level.