Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin was a highly-touted prospect coming out of West Virginia, known for his electrifying speed and versatility. He was a dynamic playmaker for the Mountaineers, showcasing his abilities as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist. His explosive athleticism and game-breaking potential made him a coveted prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Tavon Austin’s College Career
Austin’s college career at West Virginia was marked by exceptional production and numerous accolades. He was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and a consensus All-American in 2012. He finished his collegiate career with 2,410 receiving yards, 1,123 rushing yards, and 32 total touchdowns. Austin’s ability to make big plays in the open field and his electrifying speed made him a constant threat for opposing defenses. He was known for his ability to create separation from defenders and his knack for finding the end zone.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths
Austin’s greatest strength as a prospect was his exceptional speed and agility. He was one of the fastest players in the draft class, showcasing his speed with a 4.34-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. His quick feet and agility allowed him to make sharp cuts and evade defenders with ease. Austin’s versatility was another significant asset. He was capable of lining up as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist, making him a valuable offensive weapon. He could be used in a variety of ways to create mismatches and exploit defenses.
Tavon Austin’s Weaknesses
Despite his impressive talent, Austin had some weaknesses as a prospect. His relatively small size (5’8″, 174 pounds) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. He was also considered to be somewhat fragile and injury-prone, having missed some games in college due to injuries. His route running was also criticized as needing improvement, with some scouts questioning his ability to consistently create separation against NFL-caliber cornerbacks.
Tavon Austin’s Pre-Draft Measurements and Athletic Testing
| Measurement/Test | Tavon Austin | Other Top WR Prospects |
|—|—|—|
| Height | 5’8″ | Sammy Watkins (6’1″), Cordarrelle Patterson (6’2″) |
| Weight | 174 lbs | Sammy Watkins (211 lbs), Cordarrelle Patterson (216 lbs) |
| 40-yard Dash | 4.34 seconds | Sammy Watkins (4.43 seconds), Cordarrelle Patterson (4.42 seconds) |
| Vertical Jump | 35.5 inches | Sammy Watkins (37.5 inches), Cordarrelle Patterson (37.5 inches) |
| Broad Jump | 127 inches | Sammy Watkins (129 inches), Cordarrelle Patterson (127 inches) |
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.91 seconds | Sammy Watkins (6.94 seconds), Cordarrelle Patterson (7.06 seconds) |
| 20-Yard Shuttle | 4.13 seconds | Sammy Watkins (4.21 seconds), Cordarrelle Patterson (4.26 seconds) |
“Tavon Austin is a dynamic playmaker with the potential to be a game-changer in the NFL. His speed and agility are exceptional, and his versatility makes him a valuable asset to any offense. However, his size and durability are concerns, and he will need to prove his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.”
Tavon Austin’s Draft Selection and Early Career
The 2013 NFL Draft saw the St. Louis Rams, in need of a dynamic playmaker, select Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick. This selection marked a significant moment for Austin, who had showcased his electrifying speed and agility during his college career at West Virginia.
Austin’s Role in the Rams’ Offense
Austin’s arrival in St. Louis ignited excitement among Rams fans. His versatility and potential as a dual-threat weapon, capable of both catching passes and running the ball, promised to inject explosiveness into the Rams’ offense. The team envisioned him as a dynamic playmaker who could create big plays and stretch the field. They hoped he would be a game-changer, a player who could make a significant impact on every play.
Austin’s Early Career Performance
Austin’s initial years with the Rams were marked by both flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. He showed glimpses of his exceptional athleticism, particularly as a returner. Austin was a threat to take any kickoff or punt to the house, and he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dangerous return men. He also made a few big plays as a receiver, demonstrating his ability to create separation and make tough catches.
However, Austin’s impact as a receiver was often limited by his size and his struggles with route running and consistency. He struggled to find a consistent role in the Rams’ offense and was often used in a variety of ways, including as a wide receiver, running back, and even a gadget player. This led to some criticism of his usage and his overall impact on the team.
Austin’s Usage Compared to Other Players
Austin’s role in the Rams’ offense was unique. He was often compared to other players who were known for their versatility, such as Percy Harvin and Cordarrelle Patterson. However, his usage was also quite different. While Harvin and Patterson were primarily used as receivers, Austin was often used in a variety of ways, including as a running back and a gadget player. This made it difficult to compare his performance to other players.
Austin’s usage also varied from year to year. In his rookie season, he was used primarily as a receiver, but in subsequent years, he was used more frequently as a running back and a gadget player. This inconsistency in his usage made it difficult for him to develop a consistent role in the Rams’ offense.
Despite his struggles, Austin showed glimpses of his potential throughout his time with the Rams. He had some big games, including a 139-yard receiving performance against the Arizona Cardinals in 2014. He also had some impressive returns, including a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014.
However, Austin’s inconsistency and his struggles to find a consistent role in the Rams’ offense ultimately led to his departure from the team in 2017. He was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he continued to be a versatile player but struggled to make a significant impact.
Tavon Austin’s Later Career and Legacy
Tavon Austin’s initial burst of excitement in the NFL didn’t quite translate into sustained success, and his career took a somewhat different trajectory than many anticipated. While he flashed moments of brilliance, his time in the league was marked by inconsistency and injuries, leaving a somewhat bittersweet legacy.
Austin’s Time with the Rams, Tavon austin draft
After his electrifying rookie season, Austin’s production with the Rams declined, and he struggled to consistently replicate his early success. Injuries played a role, as he missed significant time due to various ailments. While he remained a threat on special teams, his impact as a receiver and offensive weapon diminished. His role became more limited, and his overall production didn’t live up to the expectations set by his early career.
Austin’s Subsequent Stops
Austin’s time with the Rams ended in 2017, and he moved on to the Dallas Cowboys in search of a fresh start. His stint in Dallas was short-lived, and he was released after one season. He then joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, but his impact there was minimal, and he was released after a single season.
Austin’s Career Impact and Legacy
Tavon Austin’s career was a fascinating mix of tantalizing potential and frustrating inconsistency. He possessed unique skills and athleticism, but injuries and struggles with consistency hampered his ability to reach his full potential. While he wasn’t a dominant force in the NFL, he still left his mark on the league with his electrifying playmaking ability. His ability to take the top off a defense and create big plays was undeniable.
Comparison to Similar Players
Austin’s career trajectory can be compared to other players with similar skillsets and draft positions, such as Percy Harvin and Chris Johnson. These players also experienced early success but faced challenges with injuries and consistency, limiting their overall impact. While they all showed flashes of brilliance, their careers were ultimately marked by a lack of sustained dominance.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s journey in the NFL was marked by both speed and uncertainty. The 2013 draft saw him selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams, a testament to his electrifying potential. However, his career was a mixed bag of explosive plays and inconsistent production.
To fully understand his impact on the league, delve deeper into the details of his tavon austin draft and his subsequent years in the NFL. While his time in the league was short, his name remains etched in the minds of fans who witnessed his bursts of brilliance.
Tavon Austin was selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, a testament to his explosive speed and electrifying potential. While his draft position hinted at a dominant career, his journey unfolded differently, as evidenced by his tavon austin career stats.
Though he struggled to consistently translate his athleticism into consistent production, Austin’s draft selection remains a reminder of his immense talent and the unpredictable nature of the NFL landscape.
