Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a dynamic and explosive playmaker during his time at West Virginia University, captivating scouts and fans alike with his electrifying speed and agility. His college career showcased a unique blend of skills, making him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Tavon Austin’s College Career
Tavon Austin’s college career at West Virginia was a testament to his exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability. He was a versatile weapon for the Mountaineers, lining up as a wide receiver, running back, and even returning kicks. Austin’s speed and agility made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Key Statistics and Achievements
- Austin finished his college career with 2,886 receiving yards and 28 receiving touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,196 yards and 10 touchdowns.
- He was named a consensus All-American in 2012 and was the recipient of the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver.
- Austin holds the NCAA record for the longest punt return touchdown (98 yards) and the longest kickoff return touchdown (100 yards).
Tavon Austin’s Strengths as a Prospect
Austin’s combination of speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field was unmatched.
Strengths
- Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin possessed blazing speed, allowing him to outrun defenders and create big plays. His agility and elusiveness made him difficult to tackle in the open field.
- Versatility: He could play multiple positions, making him a valuable asset to any offense. Austin could line up as a wide receiver, running back, or returner, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses.
- Big Play Ability: Austin had a knack for turning short gains into long touchdowns. He was a constant threat to break a big play, making him a valuable weapon in the offensive arsenal.
Tavon Austin’s Weaknesses as a Prospect, Tavon austin draft pick
While Austin’s strengths were undeniable, he also had some weaknesses that needed to be addressed at the next level. Some scouts questioned his ability to consistently catch the ball, and his size was a concern.
Weaknesses
- Durability: Austin’s small stature raised concerns about his durability at the NFL level. His ability to withstand the rigors of a full NFL season was a question mark.
- Route Running: While he was a dynamic playmaker, Austin’s route running was considered to be a work in progress. He needed to improve his consistency and precision in running routes to maximize his potential in the NFL.
- Strength: Austin lacked the strength and physicality to consistently break tackles in the NFL. He needed to develop his strength and physicality to be more effective as a runner.
Tavon Austin’s Skillset Compared to Other Players in His Draft Class
Tavon Austin was a unique talent in the 2013 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, agility, and versatility was unmatched among his peers. He was compared to players like Chris Johnson and DeSean Jackson, both of whom had found success in the NFL. Austin’s skillset was considered to be a blend of both players, making him a highly intriguing prospect.
Comparisons
- Chris Johnson: Like Johnson, Austin possessed exceptional speed and agility. He was a threat to break a big play every time he touched the ball. Johnson was a dynamic playmaker for the Tennessee Titans, and Austin was expected to have a similar impact in the NFL.
- DeSean Jackson: Austin’s versatility and ability to make big plays reminded many of DeSean Jackson. Jackson was a dynamic receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles, and Austin was expected to have a similar impact in the NFL.
The St. Louis Rams’ Draft Strategy
The St. Louis Rams’ selection of Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft was a bold move that reflected their desire to inject explosiveness into their offense. The team had been struggling to find a consistent offensive threat, and they believed that Austin’s unique skillset could be the missing piece.
The Rams’ Needs and Expectations
The Rams were in a rebuilding phase in 2013, having finished with a 7-8-1 record the previous season. They were looking to build a young and dynamic team around their young quarterback, Sam Bradford. The team’s biggest need was a playmaker on offense, someone who could create big plays and stretch the field. They also needed to improve their defense, particularly their secondary.
The Rams’ expectations for the 2013 draft were to find players who could contribute immediately and help them compete for a playoff spot in the near future. They were hoping to find a few key pieces that would help them build a winning culture.
The Impact of Austin’s Selection on the Rams’ Roster and Future Plans
The Rams’ selection of Tavon Austin was a controversial one at the time. Many analysts believed that the team should have selected a defensive player with the eighth overall pick, given their need for improvement on that side of the ball. However, the Rams were convinced that Austin’s potential was too great to pass up.
Austin’s arrival had a significant impact on the Rams’ roster. He was expected to be a dynamic playmaker who could contribute both as a receiver and a return specialist. The team hoped that his presence would help to open up the offense and create more scoring opportunities.
Austin’s selection also had an impact on the Rams’ future plans. The team was committed to building a young and exciting offense around him and Bradford. They believed that Austin’s presence would help them attract other talented players and build a winning team.
Austin’s career with the Rams was ultimately a disappointment, as he failed to live up to the hype. However, his selection was a bold move by the team that reflected their desire to build a dynamic offense.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
Tavon Austin, the electrifying playmaker from West Virginia, entered the NFL with immense hype and expectations. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, Austin’s speed, agility, and versatility promised to revolutionize the Rams’ offense. However, his NFL career unfolded in a way that was both exhilarating and frustrating, leaving a mixed legacy on the field.
Austin’s Time with the Rams
Austin’s first few seasons with the Rams showcased his explosive potential. He was a dynamic weapon, capable of scoring from anywhere on the field. In 2013, he became the first player in NFL history to score touchdowns on a reception, a rush, and a punt return in the same season. His electrifying speed and agility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, Austin’s role in the Rams’ offense was often inconsistent. He was primarily used as a gadget player, with his receiving targets fluctuating from game to game. This led to criticism from some who felt his talents weren’t being fully utilized.
Challenges and Obstacles
Despite his undeniable talent, Austin faced several challenges during his time with the Rams.
- Injuries plagued his career, limiting his ability to consistently stay on the field and build momentum.
- He struggled with drops, a recurring issue that hindered his effectiveness as a receiver.
- His lack of size and strength made him vulnerable to physical defenders, limiting his ability to gain yards after the catch and create big plays.
- The Rams’ offensive scheme under head coach Jeff Fisher often favored a more traditional, run-first approach, which didn’t always maximize Austin’s unique skill set.
Austin’s Impact on the League
While Austin’s career didn’t reach the heights many predicted, he still made a significant impact on the league.
- His speed and agility changed the way teams approached special teams, forcing them to pay more attention to the return game.
- He proved that a player with his skillset could be a valuable asset in the modern NFL, even if his role was unconventional.
- He inspired a generation of young players with his athleticism and ability to make highlight-reel plays.
Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin was a hot commodity in the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability. Teams were eager to get their hands on this dynamic talent, and he ultimately ended up being drafted eighth overall by the St.
Louis Rams. While his NFL career didn’t quite live up to the hype, his speed and agility were undeniable, and it’s interesting to consider how his age tavon austin age might have factored into his development as a pro.
Ultimately, Austin’s draft position reflected the high expectations placed on him, and his journey through the league offers a fascinating case study of a player with immense potential.
Tavon Austin was a speed demon in college, and his blazing speed made him a hot commodity in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Rams took a chance on him, hoping he could bring a new dimension to their offense.
You can read more about his draft selection and his NFL journey tavon austin draft pick. His time in the league was marked by both flashes of brilliance and inconsistency, but he certainly left his mark on the game.
