Tavon Austin Draft Pick A Look Back

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft Pick

Tavon Austin emerged as a dynamic and electrifying player during his time at West Virginia University, showcasing exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability. His versatility as a wide receiver and return specialist made him a coveted prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.

College Football Career, Tavon austin draft pick

Austin’s college career at West Virginia was marked by impressive statistics and electrifying performances. He quickly established himself as a game-changer, consistently making big plays and posing a constant threat to opposing defenses.

• In his junior season, Austin caught 88 passes for 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns, showcasing his explosiveness and ability to create separation from defenders. He also averaged 25.2 yards per kickoff return and returned one for a touchdown, demonstrating his value as a return specialist.
• His senior year saw him become the first player in NCAA history to have 1,000 receiving yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. He was a consensus All-American and a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, cementing his status as one of the most dynamic players in college football.

Strengths

Austin’s exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness were his most prominent strengths, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He possessed a rare combination of quickness, acceleration, and balance, allowing him to make defenders miss in the open field and create big plays.

• His speed was evident in his ability to outrun defenders on deep routes and break away for long touchdowns. His agility allowed him to make sharp cuts and change direction quickly, making him difficult to tackle in the open field.
• Austin’s elusiveness was a testament to his balance and footwork. He had a knack for making defenders miss with his quick cuts and juke moves, leaving them grasping at air as he darted past them.

Weaknesses

Despite his impressive skillset, Austin had some weaknesses that raised concerns among NFL scouts. His relatively small stature and limited route-running ability were seen as potential drawbacks.

• Austin’s size, at 5’8″ and 179 pounds, raised questions about his ability to withstand the physicality of NFL defenders. Some scouts believed he lacked the size and strength to be a consistent threat in the NFL, especially against bigger cornerbacks.
• Austin’s route-running ability was also a point of contention. While he was effective in the open field, his route-running was considered somewhat raw and inconsistent. Some scouts questioned whether he could develop the necessary precision and technique to become a reliable route runner in the NFL.

Draft Profile Comparison

Tavon Austin’s draft profile was often compared to other top wide receiver prospects in his draft class, such as Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson. While Austin’s speed and agility were unmatched, Watkins and Patterson were considered to be more physically imposing and had better route-running skills.

• Sammy Watkins, at 6’1″ and 211 pounds, was a physically imposing wide receiver with strong hands and a knack for making contested catches. He was considered to be a more well-rounded receiver with the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL.
• Cordarrelle Patterson, at 6’2″ and 216 pounds, was another physically gifted wide receiver with exceptional speed and athleticism. He was known for his ability to make big plays and his impressive return skills. However, his route-running was considered to be somewhat raw.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Selection

The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for Tavon Austin, a dynamic and electrifying wide receiver from West Virginia University. With his exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability, Austin had captivated scouts and analysts alike, generating significant buzz leading up to the draft. The St. Louis Rams, looking to inject offensive firepower and dynamism into their roster, made a bold move by selecting Austin with the eighth overall pick.

The Rams’ decision to draft Austin was a testament to their belief in his potential to be a game-changer. Austin’s skillset, characterized by his explosive speed and elusiveness, aligned perfectly with the Rams’ offensive philosophy, which emphasized speed and creativity.

The Rams’ Rationale for Drafting Austin

The Rams’ selection of Austin was a strategic decision driven by several factors. First, the team was in need of a dynamic playmaker who could create explosive plays and stretch the field. Austin’s speed and agility made him a perfect fit for this role. Second, the Rams’ offense, led by quarterback Sam Bradford, lacked a true game-breaking threat. Austin’s presence was expected to add a new dimension to the Rams’ offense and create more opportunities for Bradford. Third, the Rams were impressed by Austin’s versatility, recognizing his ability to play multiple positions, including wide receiver, running back, and return specialist. This versatility made him an attractive asset for the Rams, as he could contribute in various ways.

Immediate and Long-Term Expectations for Austin

Austin’s arrival in St. Louis generated significant excitement among Rams fans. Expectations were high, with many anticipating him to make an immediate impact. The Rams hoped that Austin’s speed and agility would translate seamlessly to the NFL level, allowing him to create big plays and contribute significantly to the team’s offensive success. However, the transition to the NFL can be challenging for young players, especially those with a skillset as unique as Austin’s.

Reactions to the Rams’ Selection of Austin

The Rams’ selection of Austin was met with mixed reactions. Some analysts and fans were thrilled with the pick, praising the Rams for selecting a player with such exceptional talent and potential. They believed that Austin had the potential to be a game-changer and a cornerstone of the Rams’ offense for years to come. Others were more cautious, questioning whether Austin’s skillset would translate effectively to the NFL level. They argued that Austin’s size and strength might be a liability against bigger, more physical defenders.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career

Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was a captivating blend of electrifying speed, dynamic playmaking, and frustrating inconsistency. Drafted eighth overall in 2013 by the St. Louis Rams, Austin was expected to be a game-changer, a player who could single-handedly shift the momentum of a contest. While he displayed flashes of brilliance, particularly as a return specialist, his overall impact fell short of the lofty expectations.

Career Statistics and Highlights

Austin’s career statistics reflect a player with undeniable talent but one who struggled to consistently translate that talent into sustained success. As a wide receiver, he recorded 2,915 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 93 games. While these numbers are respectable, they pale in comparison to the production of other top-10 picks in his draft class.

Austin’s most notable contributions came as a return specialist. He established himself as one of the most dangerous kick returners in the league, racking up 3,692 yards and three touchdowns on 132 returns. His explosiveness and ability to break tackles made him a constant threat to take it all the way.

• In 2013, he returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility.
• He also returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown in 2015 against the Seattle Seahawks, highlighting his ability to make big plays in crucial moments.

Factors Contributing to Success and Challenges

Austin’s career was a mixed bag of successes and setbacks. His blazing speed and elusiveness were undeniable assets, allowing him to create big plays in both the return game and as a receiver. However, he faced challenges in consistently catching the ball, particularly in contested situations.

• His small stature (5’8″, 174 lbs) made him vulnerable to bigger defenders, leading to difficulties in creating separation and securing passes in traffic.
• He struggled with drops, which hampered his overall effectiveness as a receiver. This inconsistency led to questions about his reliability and ability to be a consistent offensive weapon.
• Injuries also played a role in hindering his progress. He missed significant time throughout his career, limiting his opportunities to build consistency and momentum.

Comparison to Other High-Profile Draft Picks

Austin’s career trajectory contrasts sharply with that of some of his fellow top-10 picks in the 2013 draft.

• Eric Fisher, the first overall pick, has established himself as a reliable left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2018.
• Luke Joeckel, the second overall pick, has also had a successful career, starting 91 games at left tackle for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Seattle Seahawks.
• While Austin’s career has been marred by inconsistency and injuries, others like Fisher and Joeckel have found success and longevity in the NFL.

Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated draft pick, known for his blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability. His talent was undeniable, leading to his selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Rams, hoping to inject a spark into their offense, were eager to see what Austin could bring to the field.

While his draft position garnered significant attention, his salary, which you can learn more about here , played a crucial role in his career trajectory. Ultimately, his time in the NFL was marked by both high expectations and a search for consistency, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the draft and the complexities of translating college success to the professional level.

Tavon Austin’s draft pick in 2013 was a high-risk, high-reward gamble, a bet on his electrifying speed and agility. Similar to Austin, Stedman Bailey, stedman bailey was a standout receiver with a knack for making big plays. Both players faced their own challenges in the NFL, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the draft and the need for a resilient mindset to succeed.

While Austin’s career ultimately didn’t reach its full potential, his story serves as a reminder of the inherent risk involved in selecting players with unique skillsets.