Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and agility on the field. His college career at West Virginia showcased his immense potential as a dynamic playmaker, leaving a lasting impact on the Mountaineers’ offense.
College Career at West Virginia
Austin’s collegiate career at West Virginia was marked by exceptional speed, agility, and explosiveness. His contributions as a wide receiver and return specialist made him a significant threat for the Mountaineers.
- In 2011, Austin set a single-season school record with 1,185 receiving yards and scored 11 touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown in the 2012 Fiesta Bowl, earning him the game’s Most Valuable Player award.
- He led the nation in all-purpose yards per game in 2011 and 2012, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the field.
- Austin was named a consensus All-American in 2012 and won the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top receiver.
- He finished his college career with 2,418 receiving yards, 23 receiving touchdowns, and 6,452 all-purpose yards, showcasing his exceptional ability to create plays and score from various positions.
Athletic Profile
Tavon Austin’s athleticism was a significant factor in his draft stock. His exceptional speed, agility, and explosiveness made him a game-changer on the field.
- He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the 2013 NFL Combine, showcasing his incredible speed and acceleration.
- Austin’s agility was evident in his 39.5-inch vertical jump and 132-inch broad jump, demonstrating his explosiveness and ability to change direction quickly.
- His athleticism allowed him to make dynamic plays in the open field, showcasing his ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Tavon Austin’s skillset as a wide receiver and return specialist presented both strengths and weaknesses.
- Strengths:
- Exceptional speed and agility, allowing him to create separation from defenders and make big plays.
- Strong hands and route-running ability, enabling him to make catches in tight coverage.
- Dynamic playmaking ability, with the potential to be a threat as a receiver, return specialist, and even a rusher.
- Proven track record of success at the collegiate level, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level.
- Weaknesses:
- Limited size and frame, raising concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
- Concerns about his ability to consistently make contested catches in the NFL.
- Some questions about his route-running and ability to run a full route tree.
Potential and Projections
Tavon Austin’s potential as a professional football player was highly anticipated.
- His speed and agility made him a dangerous offensive weapon, with the potential to be a game-breaker for the Rams.
- His ability to return kicks and punts added another dimension to his game, giving him the potential to contribute in multiple ways.
- However, his size and strength were concerns, and his ability to consistently make plays against NFL-caliber defenders remained to be seen.
The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event in the history of the league, marking the beginning of the careers of several future stars. The draft was held on April 25-27, 2013, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
The 2013 NFL Draft Landscape
The 2013 NFL Draft was considered to be a strong class, with a number of highly talented players at various positions. Some of the top prospects in the draft included:
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Central Michigan
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Texas A&M
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Oregon
- Lane Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, LSU
The draft was also notable for the emergence of several talented quarterbacks, including:
- Geno Smith, West Virginia
- E.J. Manuel, Florida State
- Matt Barkley, USC
The draft was also marked by a number of trades, including the Kansas City Chiefs’ trade up to the first overall pick to select Eric Fisher.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Process
Tavon Austin, a wide receiver and return specialist from West Virginia, was one of the most dynamic players in the 2013 NFL Draft. He was known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability. At the 2013 NFL Combine, Austin impressed scouts with his athleticism, running a 4.34-second 40-yard dash and a 38.5-inch vertical jump.
Austin’s performance at the NFL Combine solidified his status as a first-round pick. He was considered a versatile player with the potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL. He was also considered a potential game-changer, capable of taking the top off of defenses and making big plays in the return game.
Factors Influencing Tavon Austin’s Draft Position
Austin’s draft position was influenced by a number of factors, including his size, his perceived ability to translate his college success to the NFL, and the needs of the teams drafting in the first round.
At 5’8″ and 174 pounds, Austin was considered to be undersized for a wide receiver. Some scouts questioned whether he could handle the physicality of the NFL. Despite these concerns, Austin’s speed, agility, and playmaking ability made him a highly sought-after prospect.
Teams Interested in Tavon Austin
Several teams were interested in drafting Austin, including the St. Louis Rams, who ultimately selected him with the eighth overall pick. The Rams were looking for a playmaker to add to their offense, and they believed that Austin could be that player. The Cleveland Browns, who were also in need of a playmaker, were also interested in Austin, but they ultimately selected linebacker Barkevious Mingo with the sixth overall pick.
2013 NFL Draft First Round Picks, Tavon austin draft pick
The following table lists the first-round picks of the 2013 NFL Draft, along with their positions and teams:
Pick | Player | Position | Team |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Eric Fisher | Offensive Tackle | Kansas City Chiefs |
2 | Luke Joeckel | Offensive Tackle | Jacksonville Jaguars |
3 | Dion Jordan | Defensive End | Miami Dolphins |
4 | Lane Johnson | Offensive Tackle | Philadelphia Eagles |
5 | Barkevious Mingo | Linebacker | Cleveland Browns |
6 | Dee Milliner | Cornerback | New York Jets |
7 | Ezekiel Ansah | Defensive End | Detroit Lions |
8 | Tavon Austin | Wide Receiver | St. Louis Rams |
9 | Sharrif Floyd | Defensive Tackle | Minnesota Vikings |
10 | D.J. Fluker | Offensive Tackle | San Diego Chargers |
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a fascinating mix of explosive talent and frustrating inconsistency. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, he was expected to be a game-changer, but injuries and a lack of consistent offensive usage hindered his potential.
Tavon Austin’s Time with the St. Louis Rams
Tavon Austin’s time with the Rams was marked by flashes of brilliance, but also by a lack of sustained success. His electrifying speed and agility made him a threat to score from anywhere on the field, but his small stature and injury history often limited his effectiveness.
Key Statistics and Accomplishments
- In his rookie season, Tavon Austin set a Rams franchise record for most receiving yards in a single game by a rookie (138 yards).
- He also recorded the longest punt return touchdown in Rams history (89 yards).
- Tavon Austin was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2015, becoming the first Rams wide receiver to do so since 2001.
Challenges Faced by Tavon Austin
- Injuries played a significant role in limiting Tavon Austin’s career. He missed multiple games each season, often due to injuries to his legs and feet.
- The Rams’ offensive schemes often failed to maximize his skill set. He was used primarily as a slot receiver, which limited his opportunities to take advantage of his speed and elusiveness in the open field.
Tavon Austin’s Performance in Different Offensive Schemes
- During his first two seasons, Tavon Austin played in a West Coast offense, which emphasized short passes and a focus on running the ball. This system did not allow him to showcase his speed and big-play potential.
- In 2015, the Rams shifted to a more pass-heavy offense under new head coach Jeff Fisher. This change allowed Tavon Austin to have more opportunities to make plays downfield.
Impact of Injuries on Tavon Austin’s Career
- Tavon Austin’s career was marred by injuries, which limited his ability to stay on the field and develop consistency.
- His most notable injury was a broken foot he sustained in 2016, which forced him to miss a significant portion of the season.
- He was also plagued by hamstring and ankle injuries throughout his career, which often hampered his explosiveness and speed.
Tavon Austin’s Career with Other Teams
After his time with the Rams, Tavon Austin played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills.
Dallas Cowboys
- In 2017, Tavon Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he was expected to contribute as a return specialist and offensive weapon.
- However, he struggled to make an impact with the Cowboys, failing to establish himself as a consistent contributor.
- He was released by the Cowboys after just one season.
Buffalo Bills
- In 2018, Tavon Austin signed with the Buffalo Bills, where he was reunited with his former Rams offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll.
- He played a limited role in the Bills’ offense, mostly as a return specialist.
- He was released by the Bills after one season.
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