Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and agility. His college career at West Virginia showcased his unique skillset, but questions lingered about his size and his ability to translate his success to the professional level.
College Career
Austin’s college career at West Virginia was marked by impressive production and highlight-reel plays. He excelled as a versatile offensive weapon, playing wide receiver, running back, and return specialist. His explosiveness and elusiveness made him a constant threat for big plays, and he consistently broke tackles and turned short gains into long touchdowns.
- He finished his college career with 2,886 receiving yards, 1,243 rushing yards, and 32 total touchdowns. He was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and was named a consensus All-American in 2012.
- He set numerous school records, including most career all-purpose yards (6,551) and most punt return touchdowns (5).
- Austin’s exceptional speed and agility were evident in his performances on the field, but he faced criticism for his size (5’8″, 174 lbs) and his ability to handle the physicality of the NFL.
Combine and Pro Day Results, Tavon austin draft
Austin’s combine and pro day performances provided further insight into his athleticism and potential.
- He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his blazing speed.
- He also impressed in the vertical jump (38.5 inches) and broad jump (10’8″).
- While his size was a concern, his athleticism and explosiveness demonstrated his potential to be a dynamic playmaker at the NFL level.
Draft Analyst and Scout Consensus
Draft analysts and scouts were divided on Austin’s potential and draft position.
- Some scouts saw him as a potential game-changer with the ability to make a significant impact as a return specialist and offensive weapon.
- Others questioned his size and his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
- The consensus among draft analysts was that Austin was a high-risk, high-reward prospect with the potential to be a star but also the risk of being a bust.
The 2013 NFL Draft Context
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event for Tavon Austin, as it marked the beginning of his professional football career. The draft itself was a highly anticipated one, with several talented prospects vying for spots in the league. To fully understand the significance of Austin’s selection, it is essential to analyze the overall strength of the 2013 draft class, particularly at the wide receiver position, and the specific needs and strategies of the St. Louis Rams, the team that drafted him.
The 2013 NFL Draft Class
The 2013 NFL Draft class was considered to be one of the strongest in recent years, with a plethora of talented players across various positions. The wide receiver position, in particular, was deep and featured several players who went on to have successful NFL careers. This competitive landscape made it even more impressive that Austin was selected as the eighth overall pick.
The St. Louis Rams’ Needs and Strategies
The St. Louis Rams, entering the 2013 NFL Draft, were in need of a dynamic playmaker on offense. Their wide receiver corps lacked a true game-breaker, and they were hoping to find a player who could create big plays and stretch the field. The team’s strategy was to target players with high potential and upside, and Tavon Austin fit that bill perfectly.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Position Compared to Other Notable Wide Receivers
Tavon Austin’s selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft highlights his immense talent and potential. He was selected ahead of several other notable wide receivers in the same draft, including:
- DeAndre Hopkins (27th overall, Houston Texans)
- Cordarrelle Patterson (29th overall, Minnesota Vikings)
- Robert Woods (41st overall, Buffalo Bills)
These players all went on to have successful NFL careers, proving the depth and talent of the 2013 wide receiver class. However, Austin’s early selection reflects the high expectations that were placed on him coming out of college.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career Trajectory
Tavon Austin entered the NFL with immense hype, touted as a dynamic playmaker with the potential to revolutionize offenses. However, his NFL career unfolded in a way that both fulfilled and disappointed those expectations, leaving a mixed legacy. While he demonstrated flashes of brilliance and contributed to winning teams, he never fully lived up to his pre-draft billing.
Tavon Austin’s Early Career: A Glimpse of Potential
Austin’s early career was marked by electrifying plays and glimpses of his immense talent. The St. Louis Rams, who selected him eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, envisioned him as a game-changing weapon. He displayed exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness, making him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Austin’s Impact in St. Louis
- In his rookie season, Austin recorded 41 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns, demonstrating his ability to make big plays in the passing game.
- He also showcased his versatility, returning punts and kickoffs, adding another dimension to his game.
- Austin’s ability to create explosive plays and generate excitement made him a fan favorite in St. Louis.
Early Career Statistics
Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | Rams | 16 | 41 | 408 | 3 | 25 | 158 | 1 |
2014 | Rams | 16 | 58 | 573 | 2 | 31 | 150 | 1 |
2015 | Rams | 16 | 60 | 589 | 4 | 43 | 193 | 1 |
Austin’s Later Career: Struggles and Transition
While Austin’s early career held promise, his later years were marred by inconsistency and a struggle to find a consistent role. He faced challenges in establishing himself as a reliable offensive weapon and his production declined.
Factors Contributing to Austin’s Decline
- Injuries: Austin was hampered by injuries throughout his career, limiting his ability to stay on the field and develop a consistent rhythm.
- Lack of Defined Role: His versatility, while a strength, also created uncertainty regarding his role within the offense. Teams struggled to utilize his skillset effectively, leading to inconsistent playing time and a lack of opportunities.
- Shifting Offensive Schemes: As Austin moved from team to team, he encountered different offensive philosophies, making it difficult to establish himself within the system and maximize his impact.
Tavon Austin’s Later Career Statistics
Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | Rams | 16 | 50 | 473 | 3 | 22 | 85 | 1 |
2017 | Rams | 14 | 13 | 168 | 1 | 23 | 104 | 1 |
2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 16 | 14 | 149 | 0 | 7 | 42 | 0 |
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin was a highly touted draft prospect, known for his blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability. His journey in the NFL, however, didn’t quite live up to the hype. To understand his career trajectory, it’s helpful to examine his tavon austin career stats , which highlight both his flashes of brilliance and his struggles with consistency.
Ultimately, his draft position reflected the potential he showcased, but his career stats tell a different story about the challenges of translating that potential into sustained success.
Tavon Austin’s draft stock soared due to his electrifying speed and agility. His explosive plays, showcased in tavon austin highlights song , became legendary in college football. This electrifying style, however, also led to questions about his ability to translate his skills to the NFL, ultimately impacting his draft position.