Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and versatility. His college career at West Virginia University showcased his exceptional talent and left scouts eager to see how he would translate to the professional level.
Tavon Austin’s College Career
Austin’s three seasons at West Virginia were marked by consistent production and highlight-reel plays. He was a dynamic weapon for the Mountaineers, showcasing his speed, agility, and playmaking ability both as a wide receiver and a return specialist.
- In 2010, as a freshman, Austin emerged as a key contributor, recording 53 receptions for 729 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also returned 24 kickoffs for 571 yards and a touchdown.
- His sophomore season in 2011 saw him become a star, leading the nation in all-purpose yards with 2,122. He had 64 receptions for 916 yards and 11 touchdowns, while also returning 28 kickoffs for 774 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- In his junior year in 2012, Austin continued his dominance, racking up 1,289 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns on 88 receptions. He also returned 19 kickoffs for 477 yards and a touchdown.
Austin’s impressive performances earned him numerous accolades, including being named a consensus All-American in 2012 and winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin’s exceptional speed and agility were his biggest assets, making him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. He possessed a rare combination of explosiveness and elusiveness, allowing him to make defenders miss in the open field. His versatility, being able to play both receiver and returner, made him a valuable asset for any team.
- Strengths:
- Exceptional speed and agility
- Elusive in the open field
- Versatile, capable of playing both receiver and returner
- Strong hands and good route-running ability
- High football IQ and understanding of the game
- Weaknesses:
- Relatively small stature, raising concerns about his ability to handle physicality at the NFL level
- Limited experience as a traditional wide receiver, having primarily played in a spread offense
- Questions about his ability to consistently create separation against NFL-caliber cornerbacks
Impact of Draft Position, Tavon austin draft
Austin’s draft position was a crucial factor in determining his career trajectory and expectations. Being selected early in the draft meant that teams believed in his potential and were willing to invest in his development. This also meant that there would be higher expectations placed on him to perform at a high level.
“Tavon Austin’s draft position will be a key indicator of how teams view his potential. A high pick suggests a belief in his ability to be a game-changer, while a lower pick might indicate concerns about his size or lack of experience.”
However, Austin’s career could also be influenced by his landing spot. Joining a team with a strong supporting cast and a suitable offensive scheme could maximize his impact and accelerate his development. On the other hand, landing in a situation where he might not be given the opportunity to showcase his skills could hinder his growth and limit his potential.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a fascinating blend of electrifying potential and frustrating inconsistency. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, he was expected to be a game-changing weapon for a team looking to break through. While he showcased flashes of brilliance, injuries, inconsistent usage, and a changing offensive landscape ultimately prevented him from fulfilling his lofty expectations.
Tavon Austin’s Time with the St. Louis Rams
Tavon Austin spent his first five seasons with the Rams, where he was deployed in various roles. His receiving statistics were decent, but not dominant. He recorded 2,381 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 76 games. He was also used as a running back, totaling 1,042 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Austin’s impact was felt most significantly in the return game. He returned 197 punts for 1,978 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his explosive speed and agility.
Key Moments and Impact
One of Austin’s most memorable moments came in 2014 when he returned a punt for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. He also had a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown in 2015, demonstrating his ability to make big plays. However, despite these highlights, his overall impact on the Rams’ offense was inconsistent.
Challenges and Opportunities
Tavon Austin’s career was plagued by injuries, particularly in 2015 and 2016, which hampered his ability to stay on the field consistently. Coaching changes also played a role in his inconsistent usage. Some coaches utilized him effectively, while others struggled to find the best way to integrate him into the offense. Austin’s versatility, while a potential asset, also presented challenges. He was often used in multiple roles, which sometimes led to a lack of focus and development in any one position.
Tavon Austin’s Performance in Different Roles
Tavon Austin’s versatility was a double-edged sword. He was a threat as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist, but he struggled to excel in any one role. As a wide receiver, he lacked consistent route-running and ball-tracking skills. He was often used as a gadget player, running screens and jet sweeps, but his lack of size and strength limited his effectiveness in traditional wide receiver roles.
Running Back
As a running back, Austin’s speed and agility were assets, but his lack of size and power made him susceptible to tackles. He was often used in a change-of-pace role, but he wasn’t a reliable between-the-tackles runner.
Return Specialist
Tavon Austin’s most consistent and impactful role was as a return specialist. He was a dynamic threat with the ball in his hands, returning kicks and punts with explosive speed and agility. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, making him a valuable asset for the Rams.
Challenges and Opportunities in Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s career was a mix of promise and frustration. He faced numerous challenges, including injuries, coaching changes, and inconsistent usage. His versatility, while a potential asset, also presented challenges as he struggled to establish himself in any one position. Despite the challenges, Austin showcased his explosive speed and agility, making big plays throughout his career. He had the potential to be a game-changer, but his inconsistency and injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential.
Tavon Austin’s Legacy
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a fascinating blend of electrifying talent and frustrating inconsistency. While he never quite lived up to the immense expectations placed upon him as a first-round pick, he undeniably left a mark on the league with his unique skillset and ability to create explosive plays. This section will delve into Tavon Austin’s legacy, examining the factors that contributed to his success and struggles while highlighting his impact on both the St. Louis Rams and Dallas Cowboys.
Factors Contributing to Tavon Austin’s Success and Struggles
Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was marked by both moments of brilliance and periods of inconsistency. Several factors contributed to his successes and struggles, shaping his legacy as a player.
- Explosive Athleticism and Versatility: Austin’s game-breaking speed, agility, and ability to play multiple positions were his most notable assets. He could line up as a wide receiver, running back, or even returner, presenting a constant threat to opposing defenses. His unique skillset allowed him to make big plays in various ways, including touchdowns on kickoff returns, receptions, and rushing plays.
- Limited Route-Running and Pass-Catching Ability: While Austin possessed incredible athleticism, he struggled with the intricacies of route-running and developing consistent hands. He often struggled to create separation from defenders and make reliable catches, particularly on intermediate and deep throws. This limited his overall effectiveness as a wide receiver.
- Injuries and Physical Durability: Throughout his career, Austin battled various injuries, including a nagging foot injury that hampered his ability to perform at his best. This inconsistency and inability to stay healthy hindered his development and limited his impact on the field.
- Inconsistency and Lack of Defined Role: Austin’s versatility, while a strength, also contributed to his inconsistency. Teams struggled to define a clear role for him, leading to a lack of focus and development in specific areas. This uncertainty limited his overall impact and hampered his ability to reach his full potential.
Tavon Austin’s Legacy as a Player
Despite his inconsistencies, Tavon Austin’s legacy as a player is one of electrifying potential and a unique skillset that made him a constant threat on the field. His contributions to both the Rams and Cowboys were significant, even if they were not always consistent.
“He’s got a rare combination of speed and explosiveness. He’s a game-changer, a guy who can take it to the house at any time.” – Jeff Fisher, Former Rams Head Coach
Tavon Austin’s impact extended beyond the box score. His ability to create excitement and generate big plays was a valuable asset to any team. His legacy will be remembered for his electrifying speed, his ability to make game-changing plays, and his unique skillset that set him apart from other players in the league.
Tavon austin draft – Yo, remember when Tavon Austin got drafted? That dude was a speed demon, like a blur on the field. But you know who else was killin’ it back then? Stedman Bailey , man, that dude was a beast too. He was all about that hustle, always giving it his all.
Anyway, yeah, Tavon Austin, that draft was wild, right?
Yo, Tavon Austin was a beast in the draft, everyone was hyped about his speed. He went to the Rams, and even though he didn’t quite live up to the hype, he still made some serious dough. Check out his career earnings here to see how much he raked in.
But honestly, his draft day was the real highlight, that’s when the hype was at its peak.