Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
Tavon Austin was a highly-touted prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft. He had a stellar college career at West Virginia, showcasing his explosive athleticism and playmaking ability. Austin’s draft stock was a subject of much debate, with some experts seeing him as a potential game-changer at the next level, while others questioned his size and durability.
Tavon Austin’s College Career
Austin’s college career at West Virginia was marked by electrifying performances. He was a versatile weapon for the Mountaineers, lining up at wide receiver, running back, and even returning kicks. His speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He set numerous school records, including career receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and all-purpose yards.
- Strengths: Austin’s exceptional speed and agility were his greatest assets. He could easily outrun defenders and make them miss in the open field. His ability to make big plays in the passing game and as a returner was undeniable. He was also a willing and capable blocker, demonstrating a commitment to all facets of the game.
- Weaknesses: Despite his athleticism, Austin’s size was a concern for some scouts. At 5’8″ and 179 pounds, he was considered undersized for a wide receiver in the NFL. He was also criticized for his route-running, which was deemed inconsistent. His durability was also questioned, as he suffered some injuries during his college career.
Tavon Austin’s Performance at the Combine and Pro Day
Austin’s performance at the 2013 NFL Combine solidified his status as one of the most explosive athletes in the draft. He recorded a 4.34-second 40-yard dash, which was the fastest time among wide receivers. He also impressed with his agility drills, showcasing his quickness and change-of-direction ability.
- Combine Results:
Drill Result 40-Yard Dash 4.34 seconds Vertical Jump 36.5 inches Broad Jump 10’4″ 3-Cone Drill 6.85 seconds 20-Yard Shuttle 4.17 seconds
Tavon Austin’s Skillset Compared to Other Top Wide Receivers in the 2013 Draft Class
Tavon Austin was considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft, alongside players like DeAndre Hopkins, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Keenan Allen. He was considered a dynamic playmaker with the potential to be a game-changer at the next level. However, his size and durability were concerns that some teams had.
- DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins was a more polished route-runner and had better size than Austin. He was considered a more complete receiver, but lacked Austin’s explosive speed and playmaking ability.
- Cordarrelle Patterson: Patterson was a big, physical receiver with great speed and athleticism. He was considered a potential home-run threat, but his route-running and hands needed work.
- Keenan Allen: Allen was a polished route-runner with good size and hands. He was considered a safe pick with high potential, but lacked the explosiveness of Austin and Patterson.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Position and Its Impact on His Career
Tavon Austin was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. This high draft position came with high expectations and a significant financial commitment. His early career was marred by injuries and inconsistency, leading to some questioning whether he could live up to the hype. However, he later found success as a dynamic weapon for the Rams and later with the Dallas Cowboys, demonstrating his ability to make a significant impact in the NFL.
The St. Louis Rams’ Perspective
The St. Louis Rams, under the leadership of then-head coach Jeff Fisher, entered the 2013 NFL Draft with a clear objective: to rebuild a team that had struggled in recent years. The Rams had a young, developing core, but they lacked playmakers on offense and needed to add explosiveness to their attack. This need led them to pursue a dynamic offensive weapon, a player who could create big plays and change the game with his speed and elusiveness.
Rationale for Selecting Tavon Austin
The Rams’ decision to select Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick was driven by his exceptional athleticism and potential to be a game-changer in their offense. Austin’s combination of speed, agility, and receiving skills made him a unique talent in the draft. The Rams believed that Austin’s versatility, capable of playing wide receiver, running back, and even returning kicks, could make him a valuable asset in their offensive scheme.
Tavon Austin’s Role in the Offense
The Rams envisioned Austin as a dynamic playmaker who could be utilized in a variety of ways. They planned to use his speed and agility to create mismatches and stretch the field, forcing defenses to account for his presence. Austin’s role was expected to involve:
- Slot Receiver: Austin’s quickness and route-running ability made him a natural fit in the slot, where he could exploit space and create separation from defenders.
- Deep Threat: Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a threat to take the top off the defense, allowing him to create big plays downfield.
- Running Back: The Rams planned to use Austin’s speed and agility in the running game, particularly on screen plays and jet sweeps.
- Return Specialist: Austin’s explosive return abilities made him a threat to score touchdowns on kickoffs and punts.
Impact on the Rams’ Offensive Scheme
The Rams anticipated that Austin’s presence would significantly impact their offensive scheme. They believed that his ability to create big plays and stretch the field would open up opportunities for other players on the offense. The Rams hoped that Austin’s versatility would create mismatches and force defenses to adjust their coverage schemes, leading to more scoring opportunities. Austin’s dynamic playmaking abilities were expected to add a new dimension to the Rams’ offense and elevate their offensive potential.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a mix of flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. While he displayed exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability, his small stature and lack of consistent production left many wondering if he could truly live up to his pre-draft hype.
Performance with the St. Louis Rams
Austin’s time with the St. Louis Rams was marked by both high points and low points. He was a dynamic playmaker who could make big plays with the ball in his hands, but he struggled with consistency and injuries. Austin’s strengths included his exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, and his ability to create big plays in the open field was unmatched.
Austin’s weaknesses included his size, which made him vulnerable to tackles and limited his ability to break tackles. He also struggled with drops and fumbles, and his route-running and hands were not always reliable. Despite his struggles, Austin showed glimpses of his potential, and he was a fan favorite in St. Louis.
- Strengths:
- Exceptional speed and agility
- Elusive in the open field
- Big-play potential
- Weaknesses:
- Small size, vulnerable to tackles
- Struggled with drops and fumbles
- Route-running and hands were inconsistent
Comparison to Draft Projections, Tavon austin draft pick
Austin was drafted eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, a high selection that reflected his incredible athleticism and potential. However, he did not live up to the expectations that came with being a top-10 pick. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his overall production was inconsistent, and he never truly established himself as a dominant force in the NFL. His lack of size and consistency led to him being compared to players like Devin Hester, a dynamic return specialist with limited offensive success.
Later Career with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers
After four seasons with the Rams, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2017. He spent two seasons in Dallas, but his role was diminished, and he failed to make a significant impact. He was then traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, where he played one season before being released.
Overall Impact on the NFL
Despite his struggles to live up to his pre-draft hype, Tavon Austin had a noticeable impact on the NFL. He was a dynamic playmaker who could create big plays with the ball in his hands. He was also a dangerous return specialist, and his ability to make big plays in the open field was a valuable asset to his teams. Austin’s career was a reminder that athleticism alone is not enough to succeed in the NFL. However, his speed, agility, and big-play potential made him a memorable player, even if his career was not as successful as many had hoped.
Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin’s electrifying speed and agility made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. His explosive playmaking ability was evident on the field, and he was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. While his professional career may not have lived up to the hype, you can still see his athleticism on display through his social media presence, like his tavon austin instagram account.
Austin’s draft selection was a testament to his undeniable talent, and his journey as a professional athlete continues to unfold.
Tavon Austin was a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and agility. His draft stock was bolstered by his impressive performance at the NFL Combine, where he showcased his remarkable athleticism. However, questions about his size and ability to translate his college success to the professional level lingered.
Despite these concerns, the St. Louis Rams selected Austin with the eighth overall pick, demonstrating their belief in his potential. While his NFL career didn’t quite live up to the hype, his journey is a testament to the complexities of the draft process and the importance of evaluating players holistically.
One can learn more about his journey and his current age by visiting this link: tavon austin age. Regardless of his age, Austin’s draft selection remains a significant moment in NFL history, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the draft and the importance of assessing potential beyond just physical attributes.
