Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a highly-touted prospect coming out of West Virginia University, known for his electrifying speed and versatility. His dynamic playmaking ability drew comparisons to some of the most exciting players in the NFL, making him a hot commodity in the 2013 NFL Draft.
College Career and Statistics
Austin’s college career at West Virginia was marked by his exceptional athleticism and big-play potential. He showcased his explosiveness as a receiver, running back, and return specialist.
Austin’s statistics demonstrate his impressive production:
- Receiving: 288 receptions, 3,444 yards, 31 touchdowns
- Rushing: 148 carries, 1,059 yards, 12 touchdowns
- Returns: 72 punt returns, 991 yards, 3 touchdowns; 43 kickoff returns, 1,121 yards, 2 touchdowns
He was recognized for his achievements with numerous accolades, including:
- 2012 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
- 2012 First-team All-Big 12
- 2011 Second-team All-Big 12
Athleticism and Skillset
Austin’s most notable attribute was his blazing speed. He was known for his ability to break away from defenders and create big plays with his exceptional acceleration. His quickness and agility made him a difficult target for opposing defenses, allowing him to make difficult catches and elude tackles.
Austin’s skillset extended beyond his speed. He possessed excellent route-running abilities and a knack for finding open space. His versatility allowed him to line up in various positions, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses to game plan against.
Comparisons to Other NFL Receivers
Austin’s dynamic playmaking style drew comparisons to several successful NFL wide receivers. His speed and elusiveness reminded some of players like DeSean Jackson and T.Y. Hilton, known for their ability to create big plays with their speed and quickness.
His versatility as a receiver and return specialist also drew comparisons to players like Cordarrelle Patterson and Percy Harvin, who have thrived in similar roles. These comparisons highlighted Austin’s potential to be a game-changing player at the NFL level.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Process
The 2013 NFL Draft saw Tavon Austin emerge as a highly anticipated prospect, generating considerable buzz among scouts and analysts. His electrifying speed and versatility as a dynamic playmaker in college made him a coveted target for many teams. Austin’s journey to the draft involved a series of events, showcasing his skills and drawing attention from NFL franchises.
Pre-Draft Workouts and Interviews, Tavon austin draft
Prior to the draft, Tavon Austin participated in several pre-draft workouts and interviews, allowing NFL teams to evaluate his abilities firsthand. These events provided an opportunity for scouts to assess his physical attributes, football IQ, and potential fit within their respective schemes.
- NFL Combine: Austin impressed at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, demonstrating his explosive acceleration and quickness. His performance in the agility drills further solidified his reputation as a dynamic athlete.
- Pro Day: At West Virginia’s Pro Day, Austin displayed his versatility by participating in drills at both wide receiver and running back positions. He demonstrated his ability to catch passes, run routes, and execute plays from different alignments.
- Team Interviews: Austin met with various NFL teams during the pre-draft process, engaging in interviews to discuss his football journey, his strengths, and his aspirations for the professional level. These interactions allowed teams to assess his personality, work ethic, and overall character.
Scouting Reports and Projections
NFL scouts and analysts closely examined Tavon Austin’s college tape and performance at pre-draft events to project his potential at the professional level. There was a consensus that Austin possessed exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability, but concerns arose regarding his size and his ability to translate his college success to the NFL.
- Strengths: Austin’s speed, agility, and elusiveness were widely recognized as his greatest strengths. His ability to create big plays from various positions, including wide receiver, running back, and returner, made him a valuable asset for any team.
- Weaknesses: Concerns were raised about Austin’s size and his ability to withstand the physicality of NFL defenses. Some scouts questioned his route-running ability and his potential as a traditional wide receiver in a pro-style offense.
- Projections: While some analysts projected Austin as a potential top-five pick, others believed his size and lack of prototypical receiver traits would lead to a lower draft position. The uncertainty surrounding his role in the NFL contributed to a range of draft projections.
Factors Contributing to Austin’s Selection
Tavon Austin’s selection as the eighth overall pick by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft was influenced by a combination of factors. The Rams recognized his unique skill set and saw him as a potential game-changer for their offense.
- Offensive Scheme: The Rams, under head coach Jeff Fisher, were implementing a run-first offense that emphasized power and physicality. Austin’s ability to create big plays and generate explosive offense from various alignments fit well within their offensive scheme.
- Need for a Playmaker: The Rams were seeking a dynamic playmaker to add excitement and explosiveness to their offense. Austin’s speed, agility, and ability to create big plays from scrimmage aligned with their desire to establish a more dynamic and unpredictable offensive attack.
- Team’s Draft Strategy: The Rams were in a position to draft a player with high upside potential, and they believed Austin’s unique skill set and potential for growth made him a worthwhile investment. They were willing to take a chance on a player who could potentially transform their offense.
Timeline of Key Events
The lead-up to Tavon Austin’s draft selection was marked by several key events that shaped his draft process.
- 2012 College Season: Austin had a breakout season at West Virginia, showcasing his exceptional playmaking ability and establishing himself as one of the most dynamic offensive players in college football.
- 2013 NFL Combine: Austin impressed scouts at the NFL Combine, demonstrating his speed, agility, and overall athleticism.
- 2013 Pro Day: Austin further showcased his versatility at West Virginia’s Pro Day, participating in drills at both wide receiver and running back positions.
- Pre-Draft Visits and Interviews: Austin met with several NFL teams during the pre-draft process, engaging in interviews and showcasing his skills and personality.
- 2013 NFL Draft: The St. Louis Rams selected Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a fascinating blend of electrifying talent and frustrating inconsistency. Despite his undeniable speed and agility, he struggled to find a consistent role and reach his full potential. While he showcased flashes of brilliance, injuries and a lack of sustained production ultimately defined his time in the league.
Statistical Performance
Austin’s statistical performance across different seasons provides a glimpse into his career trajectory.
Season | Team | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | St. Louis Rams | 16 | 40 | 413 | 2 | 36 | 254 | 2 |
2014 | St. Louis Rams | 14 | 58 | 523 | 3 | 26 | 123 | 1 |
2015 | St. Louis Rams | 12 | 37 | 387 | 3 | 18 | 116 | 1 |
2016 | Los Angeles Rams | 15 | 50 | 471 | 1 | 12 | 65 | 0 |
2017 | Dallas Cowboys | 14 | 21 | 187 | 0 | 10 | 42 | 0 |
2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 13 | 15 | 116 | 0 | 3 | 17 | 0 |
Challenges and Opportunities
Tavon Austin faced several challenges in transitioning from the collegiate to the professional level. His small stature (5’8″, 174 pounds) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. Additionally, his role as a hybrid receiver and running back often left him in a no man’s land, unable to fully capitalize on his unique skill set. Despite these obstacles, Austin’s speed and explosiveness created opportunities for him to make big plays, especially on screens and reverses.
Impact on Offensive Schemes
Austin’s versatility and explosiveness made him a valuable asset for offensive coordinators. His ability to line up in various positions and execute a wide range of plays kept defenses on their toes. He was a threat to score from anywhere on the field, capable of turning a short pass into a long gain or breaking off a big run on a screen play. Teams often utilized him in creative ways to stretch the field and create mismatches.
Career Highlights
Austin’s career was marked by several memorable moments. He holds the Rams franchise record for the longest punt return touchdown (98 yards). In 2013, he became the first player in NFL history to record a touchdown receiving, rushing, and on a punt return in the same season. He also earned Pro Bowl honors in 2013, showcasing his potential for greatness.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin was a highly-touted draft prospect, known for his blazing speed and elusiveness. You can get a glimpse of his electrifying athleticism on his tavon austin instagram where he shares highlights and personal moments. His draft stock was fueled by his impressive college career, which led to him being selected in the first round by the St.
Louis Rams.
Tavon Austin’s draft was a fascinating event, as many wondered where the explosive, yet small, wide receiver would land. The St. Louis Rams, known for their bold moves, took a chance on him with the eighth overall pick, a decision that sent shockwaves through the NFL.
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