Tavon Austin’s College Career and Draft Profile
Tavon Austin emerged as a dynamic playmaker during his time at West Virginia University, showcasing exceptional speed, agility, and versatility that caught the attention of NFL scouts. His electrifying performances on the field earned him numerous accolades and cemented his status as one of the most exciting prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Tavon Austin’s College Career
Austin’s college career was marked by consistent brilliance, as he established himself as a multi-faceted offensive weapon for the Mountaineers. His speed and elusiveness made him a threat to score from any point on the field, whether as a wide receiver, running back, or return specialist.
- He finished his collegiate career with 2,889 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to create separation and make difficult catches.
- Austin’s impact extended beyond receiving, as he also rushed for 1,464 yards and 15 touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility and explosiveness as a ball carrier.
- He was a dynamic return specialist, averaging 16.8 yards per punt return and 26.6 yards per kickoff return, further emphasizing his ability to make big plays.
- Austin’s accomplishments earned him numerous accolades, including the Biletnikoff Award in 2012, awarded to the nation’s top receiver, and a consensus All-American selection.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Scouting reports highlighted Austin’s exceptional speed, agility, and receiving skills, while also acknowledging potential concerns regarding his size and durability.
- His blazing speed was considered a major asset, as he consistently outran defenders and created big plays in the open field. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, confirming his elite speed.
- Austin’s agility and elusiveness were equally impressive, allowing him to make sharp cuts and juke defenders with ease. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field was a key attribute that scouts praised.
- His receiving skills were highly regarded, as he demonstrated the ability to make contested catches and consistently gain yards after the catch. His hands and route running were considered above average for a player of his size.
- However, concerns about Austin’s size and durability emerged. At 5’8″ and 174 pounds, he was considered undersized for the NFL, and some scouts questioned his ability to withstand the physicality of the league.
Tavon Austin’s Pre-Draft Expectations
Austin’s exceptional talent and versatility made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. Scouts projected him as a potential slot receiver or a dynamic return specialist, with some believing he could even contribute as a running back.
- His speed and agility were expected to translate well to the NFL, making him a threat to create big plays in the passing game and as a returner.
- His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and gain yards after the catch was seen as a valuable asset in the NFL.
- However, concerns about his size and durability remained, and some teams were hesitant to select him in the early rounds of the draft.
The 2013 NFL Draft and Tavon Austin’s Selection: Tavon Austin Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event for the St. Louis Rams, as they embarked on a new era under head coach Jeff Fisher. The draft was marked by a wave of offensive talent, with several quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs being selected in the first round. The Rams, looking to revitalize their offense, held the eighth overall pick and were in a prime position to select a game-changing player.
The Rams’ selection of Tavon Austin was a bold move, reflecting their commitment to building a dynamic offense. Austin, a versatile and explosive playmaker, had the potential to transform the Rams’ offensive landscape. His speed, agility, and receiving prowess made him a coveted prospect, and the Rams believed he could be a key piece in their offensive puzzle.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Position in Relation to Other Wide Receivers
Tavon Austin’s selection at eighth overall placed him among a group of highly-touted wide receivers in the 2013 draft. This group included:
- DeAndre Hopkins (27th overall, Houston Texans): Hopkins, a physical and reliable receiver, was selected later in the first round, demonstrating the depth of talent at the wide receiver position.
- Cordarrelle Patterson (29th overall, Minnesota Vikings): Patterson, a big-play threat with exceptional speed and athleticism, was selected shortly after Hopkins, showcasing the diverse skillsets of the receivers in the draft.
- Robert Woods (40th overall, Buffalo Bills): Woods, a polished route-runner with strong hands, was selected in the second round, highlighting the abundance of talent available even outside the first round.
While Austin was selected earlier than Hopkins, Patterson, and Woods, their subsequent success in the NFL demonstrated the competitiveness of the wide receiver class in 2013. Austin’s early draft position reflected the Rams’ belief in his potential to be a game-changer, but his career trajectory ultimately did not match the expectations that surrounded his selection.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career and Impact
Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was a captivating blend of explosive talent and persistent challenges. Despite his electrifying abilities, his career was marked by inconsistent production and struggles to find a consistent role within various offensive schemes. This analysis explores the trajectory of Austin’s NFL career, examining his impact on the teams he played for and the obstacles he encountered along the way.
Tavon Austin’s Career Trajectory, Tavon austin draft
Austin’s NFL career spanned eight seasons, taking him through four different teams: the St. Louis Rams, the Dallas Cowboys, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Buffalo Bills. He entered the league with high expectations, fueled by his exceptional speed and agility, and his ability to create big plays as a receiver and returner.
- St. Louis Rams (2013-2016): Austin’s NFL career began with the St. Louis Rams, who drafted him eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. He was expected to be a game-changer for the Rams, and he showed flashes of brilliance in his first few seasons, including a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown in his rookie season. However, Austin struggled to consistently translate his explosive potential into consistent production, particularly in the receiving game. Despite his challenges, Austin’s versatility and ability to create big plays made him a valuable asset for the Rams.
- Dallas Cowboys (2017): After four seasons with the Rams, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2017. He was hoping for a fresh start and a chance to showcase his skills in a new offense. However, his time in Dallas was short-lived, as he only played one season with the Cowboys before being released.
- San Francisco 49ers (2018): Austin signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, where he reunited with his former offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan’s offensive scheme was designed to utilize Austin’s speed and agility, but he only played one season with the 49ers.
- Buffalo Bills (2019): Austin’s final NFL season was with the Buffalo Bills in 2019. He was hoping to contribute to a team with a strong offense and a winning culture. However, he was released by the Bills during the preseason.
Tavon Austin’s Impact on Teams
Tavon Austin’s impact on the teams he played for was a mixed bag. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his inconsistency and struggles to find a consistent role in different offenses limited his overall impact.
- Receiver: Austin’s speed and agility made him a dangerous weapon in the passing game, but he struggled to develop a consistent route-running repertoire and to create separation from defenders. He had some impressive moments as a receiver, including a 98-yard touchdown reception in his rookie season. However, he never reached his full potential as a receiver.
- Returner: Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a dynamic returner. He was a threat to take any kick or punt to the house. His 98-yard kickoff return touchdown in his rookie season is a testament to his ability to make big plays in the return game.
- Offensive Weapon: Austin’s versatility made him a valuable asset for offensive coordinators. He could line up in the slot, out wide, or in the backfield. His ability to create mismatches and make plays in space made him a threat to defenses.
Tavon Austin’s Challenges and Opportunities
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a roller coaster ride. He had his share of challenges, including:
- Finding a Consistent Role: Austin’s versatility was both a blessing and a curse. He was able to play multiple positions, but this also made it difficult for teams to find a consistent role for him.
- Inconsistent Production: Austin’s explosive plays were often overshadowed by inconsistent production. He struggled to maintain his momentum and to make a consistent impact on the game.
- Durability: Austin struggled to stay healthy throughout his career, missing games due to various injuries.
Despite these challenges, Austin also had opportunities to showcase his talent and to make a significant impact on the game.
- Big-Play Ability: Austin’s speed and agility allowed him to create big plays. He had the potential to change the course of a game with a single play.
- Versatility: Austin’s ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset for teams. He could line up in the slot, out wide, or in the backfield, giving offensive coordinators flexibility in their play calling.
- Return Game: Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a dangerous returner. He had the potential to be one of the best returners in the NFL.
The Tavon Austin draft was a moment of high anticipation, a beacon of hope for a young man with exceptional athleticism. His journey, however, reminds us that potential is just the beginning. To truly understand the impact of his draft, we must delve deeper into the legacy of tayvon austin , recognizing the challenges he faced and the resilience he displayed.
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