Tavon Austin Draft A Tale of Speed and Potential

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile

Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying playmaking ability and dynamic athleticism at West Virginia University had scouts and analysts buzzing with excitement.

College Career at West Virginia

Austin’s college career at West Virginia was a showcase of his exceptional talent and versatility. He dominated on both offense and special teams, establishing himself as one of the most exciting players in college football.

• Explosive Offensive Production: Austin amassed impressive offensive statistics, showcasing his ability to make big plays in multiple ways. He finished his collegiate career with 3,444 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns, along with 1,441 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. These numbers demonstrate his remarkable versatility as a receiver and a runner.
• Return Specialist Extraordinaire: Austin was a dynamic return specialist, showcasing his speed and elusiveness on kickoffs and punts. He set an NCAA record for career kickoff return touchdowns with 10. He also added a punt return touchdown, demonstrating his ability to make big plays on special teams.
• Accolades and Recognition: Austin’s exceptional play garnered him numerous accolades and recognition. He was a two-time All-Big 12 selection and was named a consensus All-American in 2012. He also won the Biletnikoff Award in 2012, awarded annually to the nation’s top receiver.

Strengths as a Prospect

Austin’s strengths as a prospect were evident throughout his college career and made him a highly coveted draft pick.

• Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin’s elite speed and agility were his most notable attributes. He possessed a rare combination of explosiveness and quickness, allowing him to break tackles and outrun defenders with ease. His 4.34-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine solidified his reputation as one of the fastest players in the draft.
• Versatility and Playmaking Ability: Austin’s versatility was another major strength. He excelled as a receiver, running back, and return specialist, making him a valuable asset on both offense and special teams. His ability to make plays in multiple ways was highly sought after by NFL teams.
• Big-Play Potential: Austin had a knack for making big plays, showcasing his ability to turn short gains into long touchdowns. His explosiveness and agility allowed him to create separation from defenders and find the end zone with ease.

Weaknesses as a Prospect, Tavon austin draft

While Austin’s strengths were undeniable, he also had some weaknesses that NFL teams needed to consider.

• Size and Strength: Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 174 lbs) and lack of strength raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. He was often overpowered by larger defenders, making it difficult for him to consistently gain yards after contact.
• Route Running and Hands: While Austin’s speed and agility made him a threat in the open field, his route running and hands needed refinement. He sometimes struggled to run precise routes and occasionally dropped passes.

Projected NFL Position

Austin’s versatility and skill set made it difficult to project him to a specific position at the NFL level.

• Slot Receiver: Many scouts believed that Austin’s best fit would be as a slot receiver, where he could use his speed and agility to create mismatches against smaller defenders.
• Running Back: Some teams considered Austin a potential running back, given his explosiveness and ability to make defenders miss in the open field. However, his lack of size and strength raised concerns about his ability to handle the rigors of the running back position.
• Return Specialist: Austin’s exceptional return skills made him a valuable asset on special teams. Many teams projected him to be a primary return specialist, even if he didn’t have a significant role on offense.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Selection and Early Career: Tavon Austin Draft

The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant one for the St. Louis Rams, as they held the eighth overall pick and were looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their offense. Tavon Austin, a highly-touted wide receiver and return specialist from West Virginia, was considered one of the most electrifying players in the draft.

The Rams were intrigued by Austin’s versatility and explosiveness. They saw him as a player who could make an immediate impact on both offense and special teams. However, there were also concerns about his size and whether he could handle the physicality of the NFL.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Selection

The Rams ultimately decided to take a chance on Austin, selecting him with the eighth overall pick. This decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts alike. Some praised the Rams for taking a bold gamble on a player with such high potential, while others questioned whether he was worth such a high draft pick.

Tavon Austin’s Early Career Performance

Austin’s rookie season was a mixed bag. He showed flashes of brilliance as a receiver and return specialist, but he also struggled with consistency and injuries. He caught 40 passes for 441 yards and one touchdown, while also returning 27 punts for 256 yards and a touchdown. However, he also missed four games due to a variety of injuries.

Austin’s role in the Rams’ offense was limited in his early years. He was primarily used as a slot receiver and gadget player, often lining up in the backfield or out wide. He also returned punts and kicks, where he showed his explosiveness and big-play ability. However, he struggled to consistently make an impact as a receiver, and his role in the offense was often overshadowed by other players.

Tavon Austin’s Early Career Performance Compared to Pre-Draft Expectations

While Austin’s early career performance was not a complete disaster, it did not live up to the pre-draft expectations. Many analysts had predicted that he would be a game-changing player in the NFL, but he struggled to find a consistent role in the Rams’ offense. He was also hampered by injuries, which limited his ability to make a significant impact.

Austin’s early career performance can be attributed to a number of factors. His small stature made him a target for bigger defenders, and he struggled to consistently win one-on-one matchups. He also lacked the route-running polish and consistency of other top receivers in the league. Additionally, the Rams’ offensive system did not always utilize his skillset effectively.

Austin’s early career was a reminder that draft picks are not always guaranteed successes. While he showed flashes of brilliance, he also struggled to consistently make an impact, and his career never quite reached the heights that many had predicted.

Tavon Austin’s Later Career and Legacy

Tavon Austin’s NFL journey, after his electrifying start, took a path filled with promise and frustration. Despite his initial burst of brilliance, injuries and a changing landscape in the NFL led to a career that ultimately fell short of its perceived potential. However, Austin’s impact on the league, both on and off the field, remains a significant one.

Austin’s Time with the Rams and Beyond

After his rookie season, Austin’s production began to wane, plagued by injuries and a shift in the Rams’ offensive scheme. He struggled to find consistent playing time and his explosive playmaking ability was often hampered by his size and physical limitations. Despite this, he remained a valuable asset for the Rams, contributing in various roles, including as a punt returner and receiver.

Austin’s time with the Rams concluded in 2017, and he went on to play for the Dallas Cowboys, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Buffalo Bills. While he never truly replicated his early success, he continued to showcase his speed and elusiveness, albeit in a more limited capacity.

Austin’s Impact on the NFL

Tavon Austin’s impact on the NFL was multifaceted. He was a dynamic playmaker with the potential to change the game in an instant. His speed and agility made him a constant threat in the open field, and his ability to return punts and kickoffs was unmatched. Austin’s impact was felt beyond his on-field contributions. He was a fan favorite known for his infectious enthusiasm and his commitment to giving back to the community.

Austin’s Legacy and Potential

While Austin’s career did not reach the heights many expected, he remains a significant figure in NFL history. He was a pioneer for smaller, dynamic playmakers, proving that size wasn’t always a determining factor in success. His impact on the league’s offensive strategies and the way teams utilized smaller, versatile players is undeniable.

Austin’s legacy will likely be debated for years to come. Some will argue that he underachieved given his draft status and early promise. Others will point to his impact on the game and his contributions to several teams. Ultimately, Tavon Austin’s career is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the NFL, where injuries, scheme changes, and the constant evolution of the game can impact a player’s trajectory.

Tavon austin draft – The 2013 NFL Draft saw Tavon Austin selected eighth overall, a testament to his explosive speed and electrifying playmaking ability. While his career ultimately fell short of the lofty expectations, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the draft.

Similar to Austin, Stedman Bailey also entered the league with immense promise, showcasing remarkable talent and leadership on the field. Both players, despite facing setbacks and challenges, embody the resilience and determination that define the spirit of the game. Austin’s journey, however, serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the delicate balance between potential and execution in the unforgiving world of professional football.

Tavon Austin’s draft stock soared due to his electrifying speed and agility, a combination that made him a coveted prospect. However, despite his initial promise, his NFL career was plagued by injuries and inconsistent production, leading to a relatively short stint in the league.

This raises the question of what became of his financial success after leaving the gridiron, which can be explored further by looking into his tavon austin net worth. Ultimately, Austin’s draft position and his subsequent career trajectory serve as a reminder that potential and performance don’t always translate to long-term financial stability in the NFL.