Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and electrifying playmaker, emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft. His exceptional athleticism, versatility, and big-play potential drew significant attention from NFL teams. This profile delves into his college career, combine and pro day performances, and pre-draft scouting reports to understand his strengths, weaknesses, and projected impact at the NFL level.
College Career
Austin’s collegiate career at West Virginia University showcased his explosive playmaking abilities. He established himself as a dual-threat weapon, excelling as both a wide receiver and a running back. His speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Austin’s impressive statistics during his time at West Virginia highlight his impact on the field. He finished his collegiate career with 2,886 receiving yards, 23 receiving touchdowns, 1,426 rushing yards, and 12 rushing touchdowns. His ability to make big plays in critical situations solidified his reputation as a game-changer.
While Austin’s college career was marked by success, it also revealed some areas for improvement. His relatively small frame and lack of size raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. Additionally, some scouts questioned his route running and ability to consistently create separation against NFL-caliber cornerbacks.
Combine and Pro Day Performances
Austin’s performance at the NFL Combine solidified his status as a top-tier athlete. He recorded a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his exceptional speed and explosiveness. His impressive performance in the agility drills further emphasized his quickness and change-of-direction ability.
At his pro day, Austin continued to impress scouts with his athleticism. He showcased his ability to make sharp cuts and create separation with his precise route running. His pro day performance further solidified his reputation as a dynamic and versatile playmaker.
Pre-Draft Scouting Reports, Tavon austin draft pick
Pre-draft scouting reports highlighted Austin’s strengths and weaknesses, providing insights into his potential impact at the NFL level.
Strengths
- Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin’s speed and agility were considered elite, making him a threat to score from any point on the field.
- Versatility: His ability to play both wide receiver and running back provided offensive coordinators with numerous options and created matchup problems for opposing defenses.
- Big-Play Potential: Austin’s explosive speed and elusiveness made him a constant threat to break a big play and change the momentum of a game.
- Ball-Carrying Skills: His ability to run with power and elude defenders was evident in his college career, showcasing his potential as a dynamic offensive weapon.
Weaknesses
- Size and Strength: Austin’s smaller stature raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
- Route Running: Some scouts questioned his route running ability, suggesting that he needed to refine his technique to consistently create separation against NFL-caliber cornerbacks.
- Durability: Concerns about his durability emerged due to his smaller frame and history of injuries.
The 2013 NFL Draft Context: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event, featuring a strong class of prospects with a diverse range of talent. The draft was notable for the emergence of several high-profile quarterbacks, including EJ Manuel, Geno Smith, and Matt Barkley. The draft also saw the rise of several talented defensive players, such as Eric Fisher, Luke Joeckel, and Dion Jordan.
The St. Louis Rams, under the leadership of head coach Jeff Fisher, were in a rebuilding phase. After a disappointing 2012 season, the Rams were looking to add talent and depth to their roster. The team’s primary needs included a playmaking wide receiver, a reliable pass rusher, and a consistent offensive line.
The St. Louis Rams’ Draft Strategy
The Rams’ draft strategy was to address their immediate needs while also investing in the future. The team was focused on finding players with high potential who could contribute immediately. The Rams’ decision to select Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick was a reflection of this strategy.
The Rationale Behind Selecting Tavon Austin
The Rams’ decision to select Tavon Austin was driven by several factors. First, the team was in need of a dynamic playmaker who could create big plays in the offense. Austin’s exceptional speed and agility made him an attractive prospect for the Rams, who were looking to add explosiveness to their offense. Second, the Rams believed that Austin’s versatility would allow him to contribute in multiple ways. They envisioned him as a threat both as a wide receiver and as a running back, adding a new dimension to their offensive scheme.
“We were looking for a guy who could be a game-changer,” said Rams general manager Les Snead. “Tavon has the potential to be that guy. He can make plays in so many different ways. We’re excited to have him in St. Louis.”
Austin’s selection was a bold move by the Rams, who were hoping to jumpstart their offense. The Rams believed that Austin’s talent and potential would make him a valuable asset for years to come.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL career, while not reaching the heights of expectations based on his draft position, showcased his explosive athleticism and versatility. He spent his entire career with the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams, primarily as a dynamic offensive weapon but also contributing on special teams.
Performance with the Rams
Austin’s time with the Rams was marked by both impressive flashes and inconsistencies. He had a solid rookie season, displaying his electrifying speed and agility, but struggled to find a consistent role in the offense. He battled injuries throughout his career, limiting his effectiveness and preventing him from establishing himself as a reliable offensive threat.
- Austin’s career statistics with the Rams:
- 284 receptions for 2,915 receiving yards
- 13 receiving touchdowns
- 333 rushing attempts for 1,718 rushing yards
- 10 rushing touchdowns
- 105 punt returns for 1,156 yards and 1 touchdown
- Key highlights:
- Austin’s most notable moment came in Week 1 of the 2014 season, when he returned a punt for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings, showcasing his game-breaking ability.
- He also had several impressive performances as a receiver and rusher, demonstrating his versatility and ability to make big plays.
- Challenges:
- Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 174 lbs) and lack of consistent route running made him a target for opposing defenses.
- He also struggled with drops and fumbles, which hindered his ability to gain the trust of his coaches.
- Injuries were a major factor in Austin’s inconsistency, preventing him from building momentum and establishing himself as a reliable playmaker.
Roles in the Rams’ Offense
Austin’s versatility made him a valuable asset to the Rams’ offense. He was used in a variety of ways, including:
- Wide receiver: Austin’s speed and agility made him a threat on deep routes and quick screens.
- Running back: His elusiveness and vision allowed him to make big plays on designed runs and screen plays.
- Return specialist: Austin was a dynamic returner, consistently generating big plays and putting the Rams in good field position.
Career Trajectory Compared to Other High-Profile Draft Picks
Austin’s career trajectory fell short of expectations compared to other high-profile draft picks from the same year. While players like Eric Fisher, Luke Joeckel, and Lane Johnson all went on to have successful careers as offensive linemen, Austin’s inconsistency and injury struggles prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin’s draft selection was a testament to his blazing speed, a skill that made him a standout in college. While his career didn’t quite live up to the hype, he still carved out a niche in the NFL, even spending time with the tavon austin dallas cowboys.
The journey of a high draft pick is often a rollercoaster, and for Tavon Austin, it was a story of raw talent and the constant pursuit of proving his worth.
Tavon Austin’s draft pick was a moment of excitement, a chance for a young, electrifying player to make his mark. It’s interesting to think about how much he’s accomplished since then, especially considering his tavon austin age when he entered the league.
That draft pick, a gamble on his potential, became a turning point in his career, showcasing the power of raw talent and the dedication needed to thrive in the NFL.
