Tavon Austin Draft A Look at His Rise and NFL Career

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft

Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his exceptional speed and agility. His unique skillset and potential made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams, but questions surrounded his size and role in the professional game.

Tavon Austin’s Athleticism and Skillset

Tavon Austin possessed remarkable athleticism, showcasing exceptional speed, agility, and explosiveness. He was a dynamic playmaker with the ability to make defenders miss in the open field.

Strengths

• Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin’s 4.25 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine solidified his reputation as one of the fastest players in the draft. His quick feet and agility allowed him to make sharp cuts and elude defenders in the open field.
• Dynamic Playmaker: Austin’s versatility made him a threat in multiple roles. He could line up as a wide receiver, running back, or return specialist, posing a constant threat to opposing defenses.
• Strong Hands and Catching Ability: Despite his small stature, Austin had strong hands and good concentration, allowing him to make tough catches in traffic. His ability to adjust to the ball in the air was impressive.

Weaknesses

• Size and Strength: Austin’s diminutive size (5’8″, 174 pounds) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. His lack of size could make him susceptible to bigger defenders, especially in the running game.
• Route Running: Austin’s route running needed refinement at the professional level. He relied heavily on his speed and agility, but his route precision and ability to create separation were areas for improvement.
• Durability: Austin’s smaller frame raised questions about his durability at the NFL level. His ability to handle the rigors of a full NFL season was a concern for some scouts.

Tavon Austin’s College Performance

Tavon Austin’s college career at West Virginia University was marked by exceptional playmaking ability and electrifying performances. He showcased his speed and agility as a dynamic receiver and return specialist, earning numerous accolades and awards.

Statistics and Accolades

• 2011: Austin had a breakout season, catching 60 passes for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also returned 22 punts for 368 yards and a touchdown, earning him All-Big 12 honors.
• 2012: Austin continued his dominance, catching 88 passes for 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also returned 26 punts for 416 yards and a touchdown, earning him First-Team All-Big 12 and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
• 2012 Biletnikoff Award: Austin was awarded the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s outstanding receiver.

Potential at the Professional Level

Tavon Austin’s college performance suggested he had the potential to be a dynamic playmaker at the professional level. His speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss in the open field made him a threat to opposing defenses. However, concerns about his size and durability raised questions about his long-term success in the NFL.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile Compared to Other Players, Tavon austin draft

Tavon Austin’s draft profile drew comparisons to other notable players at his position, such as:

Similarities

• T.Y. Hilton (Indianapolis Colts): Like Austin, Hilton was a smaller, speedy receiver with exceptional agility. Both players were known for their ability to create separation and make big plays in the open field.
• DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles): Jackson was another small, fast receiver who could stretch the field and make defenders miss. Both players were considered big-play threats with the ability to take the top off defenses.

Differences

• Route Running and Technique: Austin’s route running and technique were considered less refined than Hilton and Jackson, who were known for their precise route running and ability to create separation with more finesse.
• Durability and Strength: While all three players were relatively small, Hilton and Jackson had shown greater durability and strength at the NFL level than Austin.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Process

Tavon Austin’s draft process was a whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, with his explosive athleticism and versatile skillset generating a lot of buzz among NFL scouts. His journey from a standout college player to a first-round draft pick was marked by a series of impressive performances and a captivating pre-draft narrative.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Stock

Tavon Austin’s draft stock was influenced by a combination of factors, including his electrifying performance at the NFL Combine and other pre-draft events. His blazing speed, agility, and ability to make plays in multiple offensive roles made him a highly sought-after prospect.

• NFL Combine Performance: Austin’s performance at the NFL Combine solidified his status as a top draft prospect. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his exceptional speed. His agility and explosiveness were also evident in the other drills, including a 38.5-inch vertical jump and a 130-inch broad jump. These numbers cemented his reputation as one of the most athletic players in the draft class.
• Pre-Draft Events: Austin continued to impress scouts at other pre-draft events, such as the West Virginia Pro Day and the Senior Bowl. His versatility and ability to contribute both as a receiver and a running back were highlighted, further boosting his draft stock. His performances demonstrated his ability to create big plays and contribute in a variety of ways, making him an attractive prospect for teams looking for a dynamic offensive weapon.

Teams Interested in Drafting Tavon Austin

Several teams were interested in drafting Tavon Austin, recognizing his potential to be a game-changer in the NFL. These teams saw him as a versatile offensive weapon who could create mismatches and generate big plays.

• St. Louis Rams: The Rams were particularly interested in Austin, seeing him as a perfect fit for their offensive scheme. They were looking for a dynamic playmaker who could add a new dimension to their offense and create opportunities for their other offensive weapons. Austin’s versatility and explosiveness made him an ideal candidate for their offense.
• Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles were another team that showed strong interest in Austin. They were looking for a speedster who could stretch the field and create big plays for their offense. Austin’s ability to create mismatches and generate explosive plays made him an attractive option for their offense.
• San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers were also in the mix for Austin, recognizing his potential to be a valuable asset to their offense. They were looking for a player who could contribute in multiple ways and create big plays. Austin’s versatility and explosiveness made him an intriguing option for their offense.

The Trade for Tavon Austin

The St. Louis Rams ultimately acquired Tavon Austin in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. The Rams traded their first-round pick (No. 8 overall) and their second-round pick (No. 39 overall) to the Bills in exchange for the Bills’ first-round pick (No. 8 overall) and their third-round pick (No. 83 overall).

• Rams’ Motivation: The Rams were determined to land Austin, and they were willing to pay a significant price to do so. They believed that Austin’s talent and potential were worth the cost, and they were confident that he could be a game-changer for their offense. The Rams saw the trade as a way to acquire a dynamic playmaker who could create big plays and contribute in multiple ways.
• Bills’ Motivation: The Bills were looking to rebuild their roster and acquire more draft capital. They saw the trade as an opportunity to acquire two additional picks in the first three rounds of the draft, giving them more flexibility to address their needs. The Bills were willing to part with their first-round pick in exchange for more draft capital, which they could use to fill multiple positions on their roster.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career

Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a mix of exciting flashes and frustrating inconsistency. While he showcased remarkable athleticism and explosiveness, his impact on the field was often limited by a combination of factors, including injuries, a lack of consistent usage, and a perceived inability to adapt to different roles.

Tavon Austin’s Career Highlights and Low Points

Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was marked by moments of brilliance, but also by periods of struggle and disappointment.

• Early Success: Austin’s rookie season with the St. Louis Rams (2013) was a promising start. He recorded 41 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his speed and elusiveness as a receiver. He also returned kicks for touchdowns, showcasing his dynamic abilities.
• Injuries and Role Changes: Austin faced various injuries throughout his career, including foot, knee, and hamstring problems. These setbacks hindered his consistency and limited his opportunities. Additionally, he was moved around to different positions, including running back and slot receiver, which impacted his ability to establish a clear role and develop a consistent rhythm.
• Trade to Dallas Cowboys: In 2017, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, hoping for a fresh start. However, his time in Dallas was short-lived, and he was released after just one season. His inability to find a consistent role and his recurring injuries continued to plague him.
• Final Years: After his time in Dallas, Austin had brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills, but he was unable to recapture the promise he showed early in his career.

Factors Contributing to Tavon Austin’s Success and Struggles

Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a study in the complexities of athletic potential and its realization in the professional game.

• Strengths: Austin’s exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness were his primary assets. He could make defenders miss in the open field and create big plays with his explosiveness. His ability to return kicks and punts added another dimension to his game.
• Weaknesses: Despite his athleticism, Austin struggled with route running and route precision, which limited his effectiveness as a receiver. His size and strength also made him vulnerable to bigger defenders, particularly in the running game. Furthermore, his durability was a significant concern, as injuries hampered his consistency and limited his opportunities.
• Adaptability: While Austin was a versatile player, his ability to adapt to different roles was often questioned. His lack of consistent production in various positions raised concerns about his ability to thrive in a specific role.

Tavon Austin’s Career Trajectory vs. Draft Expectations

Tavon Austin was selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, a high pick that reflected the high expectations placed on him. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his career trajectory fell short of those expectations.

• Early Promise: Austin’s rookie season fueled optimism, but injuries and inconsistency hampered his development. The Rams’ inability to utilize his talents effectively also played a role in his struggles.
• Lack of Consistent Production: Austin’s inability to establish a consistent role and deliver consistent production contributed to his struggles. He was often seen as a “gadget player” rather than a core offensive weapon.
• Injuries: Austin’s injuries were a major factor in his decline. They limited his opportunities and prevented him from building momentum and developing a consistent rhythm.

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Tavon Austin’s draft stock soared after a stellar career at West Virginia, where his speed and agility were on full display. To see the kind of electrifying plays that made him a first-round pick, check out tavon austin wvu highlights – you’ll see why NFL teams were eager to get their hands on this dynamic athlete.

While his NFL career didn’t quite live up to the hype, Austin’s college days were full of exciting moments that left fans and scouts alike in awe.