Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying speed and versatility made him a coveted asset for NFL teams.
College Statistics and Accolades
Austin’s collegiate career at West Virginia University showcased his exceptional talent. He amassed impressive statistics and earned numerous accolades, solidifying his status as a top draft prospect.
- Total Receiving Yards: 3,289 yards (2010-2012)
- Total Receiving Touchdowns: 32 touchdowns (2010-2012)
- Average Yards Per Reception: 16.8 yards (2010-2012)
- Total Rushing Yards: 1,183 yards (2010-2012)
- Total Rushing Touchdowns: 10 touchdowns (2010-2012)
- All-American Honors: First-team All-American (2012), Second-team All-American (2011)
- Big 12 Honors: Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2012), Big 12 Champion (2011)
Strengths as a Prospect
Austin’s athleticism and playmaking ability were his most notable strengths. His exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
- Elite Speed and Agility: Austin’s 4.28 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine demonstrated his remarkable speed. His quick cuts and ability to change direction made him a threat to break away for big plays.
- Versatility: Austin’s skillset allowed him to be utilized in multiple offensive roles. He could line up as a wide receiver, running back, or return specialist, adding a dynamic element to the offense.
- Big-Play Potential: Austin’s explosiveness and elusiveness made him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He had a knack for turning short gains into long touchdowns.
Weaknesses as a Prospect
While Austin possessed numerous strengths, he also had some weaknesses that raised concerns among NFL scouts.
- Size and Strength: Austin’s relatively small stature and lack of upper-body strength raised questions about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. He was often tackled by smaller defenders in college, suggesting he might struggle against bigger, stronger defenders in the NFL.
- Route Running: Austin’s route running needed refinement. He relied heavily on his athleticism and speed, which could be less effective against NFL-caliber cornerbacks. He needed to develop more precise route running skills to consistently gain separation.
- Durability: Austin’s injury history, including a hamstring injury in college, raised concerns about his durability at the NFL level. Teams wanted to ensure he could withstand the rigors of a full NFL season.
Comparison to Other Wide Receivers Drafted in 2013
Austin was part of a strong wide receiver class in the 2013 NFL Draft. Several other talented receivers were selected, each with their own unique skillset and potential.
- DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans): Hopkins was a physical and reliable wide receiver with strong hands and a knack for making tough catches. He was selected 27th overall in the first round.
- Cordarrelle Patterson (Minnesota Vikings): Patterson was a big-play threat with exceptional speed and athleticism. He was selected 29th overall in the first round.
- Terrance Williams (Dallas Cowboys): Williams was a physical and talented receiver with good hands and route-running ability. He was selected 43rd overall in the second round.
The St. Louis Rams’ Draft Strategy: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
The St. Louis Rams entered the 2013 NFL Draft with a clear objective: to bolster their offense, particularly their receiving corps. They had a young quarterback in Sam Bradford, who had shown flashes of brilliance, but lacked a consistent target. The Rams had also undergone a coaching change, bringing in Jeff Fisher, who emphasized a run-first approach.
The Rams’ Reasoning for Selecting Tavon Austin
The Rams believed that Tavon Austin possessed the unique combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability that could revolutionize their offensive scheme. They saw him as a versatile weapon who could line up in the slot, outside, or even in the backfield, creating mismatches for opposing defenses. His ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays was seen as a perfect complement to the Rams’ run-heavy offense.
The Potential Impact of Austin’s Selection on the Rams’ Offensive Scheme
Austin’s selection was expected to have a significant impact on the Rams’ offensive scheme. His presence would add a dynamic element to the offense, creating more opportunities for big plays. The Rams envisioned him as a threat to defenses both as a receiver and as a runner, forcing them to adjust their coverage schemes and creating space for other offensive players.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a fascinating blend of electrifying potential and frustrating inconsistency. Despite being a first-round draft pick with immense athleticism, Austin never quite lived up to the hype that surrounded him. This section delves into the key highlights and lowlights of Austin’s time with the Rams, analyzing his performance in various offensive roles and exploring the factors that shaped his career trajectory.
Tavon Austin’s Performance with the Rams, Tavon austin draft pick
Austin’s time with the Rams was marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of struggles. While his speed and agility made him a threat on every play, his diminutive size and occasional lack of focus hindered his overall impact.
Austin’s Early Years: Promise and Potential
Austin’s rookie season was filled with excitement as he showcased his explosive speed and elusiveness. He recorded 40 receptions for 418 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a 71-yard touchdown reception against the Indianapolis Colts. However, his performance in the return game was even more impactful. He returned 35 punts for 407 yards and 2 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to create big plays from any position.
Austin’s Struggles with Consistency
Despite his early promise, Austin struggled to maintain consistent production throughout his time in St. Louis. He often faced difficulties with dropped passes and inconsistent route running, limiting his effectiveness as a receiver. His small stature also made him susceptible to tackles in the open field, preventing him from fully maximizing his explosive potential.
Austin’s Versatility: A Double-Edged Sword
The Rams experimented with using Austin in various roles, including wide receiver, running back, and even quarterback. While his versatility provided the offense with a unique weapon, it also hindered his development in a specific position. This lack of specialization contributed to his inconsistency and limited his overall impact on the team.
Austin’s Departure from the Rams
After five seasons in St. Louis, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2017. His time in Dallas was brief and ultimately unsuccessful, and he later had stints with the San Francisco 49ers and the Buffalo Bills.
Factors Contributing to Austin’s Career Trajectory
Several factors contributed to Austin’s uneven career trajectory in the NFL. His small size and lack of consistent route running limited his effectiveness as a receiver. His versatility, while beneficial, also hindered his development in a specific position. Additionally, injuries played a significant role in limiting his playing time and overall impact.
Austin’s Size and Route Running
Austin’s diminutive stature, standing at 5’8″ and 174 pounds, made him a difficult target for quarterbacks and vulnerable to tackles in the open field. His route running was also inconsistent, leading to missed connections with quarterbacks and missed opportunities for big plays.
Austin’s Versatility and Specialization
The Rams’ attempts to utilize Austin in multiple offensive roles, while creative, ultimately hindered his development as a specialized player. His lack of focus on a specific position contributed to his inconsistency and limited his overall impact on the team.
Austin’s Injuries
Throughout his career, Austin struggled with injuries, including a hamstring injury in 2013 and a broken ankle in 2014. These injuries limited his playing time and hindered his ability to build momentum and consistency.
