Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a dynamic and electrifying playmaker who entered the 2013 NFL Draft with the potential to be a game-changer. His exceptional athleticism and versatility, combined with his experience as a wide receiver and return specialist, made him a highly sought-after prospect.
Tavon Austin’s Athleticism and NFL Potential
Austin’s athleticism was truly remarkable. He possessed blazing speed, exceptional agility, and impressive explosiveness. His 4.25-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine showcased his speed, while his quick cuts and ability to change direction on a dime highlighted his agility. These attributes translated to the NFL, where he could create big plays with his ability to break tackles and outrun defenders. Austin’s potential was undeniable, as his speed and agility allowed him to be a threat in both the passing game and the return game.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths as a Wide Receiver
- Speed and Agility: Austin’s speed and agility made him a difficult player to cover. He could create separation from defenders with his quick cuts and burst, making him a dangerous deep threat.
- Route Running: Austin possessed good route-running skills, with the ability to run crisp routes and create space for himself. He could run a variety of routes effectively, making him a versatile weapon in the passing game.
- YAC Ability: Austin was a threat after the catch, as his speed and agility allowed him to make defenders miss and gain yards after the reception. His ability to turn short passes into big plays made him a valuable asset in the offensive scheme.
Weaknesses as a Wide Receiver
- Size and Strength: Austin was relatively small and lacked the strength to consistently win contested catches against larger defenders. He could struggle to make catches in traffic or against physical cornerbacks.
- Hands: While Austin had good hands, he could sometimes drop passes, particularly in high-pressure situations. He needed to improve his consistency and focus when catching the ball.
- Durability: Concerns about Austin’s durability arose due to his small frame and the potential for injuries. He had a history of minor injuries in college, and some scouts worried about his ability to withstand the rigors of the NFL.
Strengths as a Return Specialist
- Speed and Agility: Austin’s speed and agility were his greatest assets as a return specialist. He could quickly accelerate to top speed and make defenders miss with his elusive moves. He was a threat to take any return to the house.
- Vision and Decision-Making: Austin possessed good vision and decision-making skills, which allowed him to find the open lanes and make smart decisions with the ball in his hands. He could read the coverage and find the best path to the end zone.
- Big Play Ability: Austin had the potential to turn any return into a touchdown. His speed and elusiveness made him a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Weaknesses as a Return Specialist
- Ball Security: Austin could sometimes struggle with ball security, particularly when returning kicks. He had a tendency to fumble the ball, which was a concern for some teams.
- Blocking: Austin’s size and strength could make it difficult for him to be an effective blocker on special teams. This was a potential weakness, as he might not be able to contribute significantly to the blocking schemes.
Scouting Reports and Evaluations
Scouting reports on Tavon Austin were generally positive, highlighting his exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability. However, some scouts expressed concerns about his size, strength, and durability.
- Strengths:
- “Austin is a game-breaker with the ball in his hands. He’s got elite speed and agility, and he can make defenders miss in a blink of an eye.” – NFL.com
- “Austin is a dynamic return specialist who can take it to the house on any return. He’s got great vision and decision-making skills.” – CBS Sports
- Weaknesses:
- “Austin is a bit undersized and lacks the strength to consistently win contested catches.” – ESPN
- “Concerns about Austin’s durability arise due to his small frame and the potential for injuries.” – NFL Draft Scout
Tavon Austin’s Draft Selection
Tavon Austin, the electrifying wide receiver and return specialist from West Virginia University, was a highly anticipated prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. His exceptional speed, agility, and playmaking ability had scouts and analysts buzzing with excitement. The St. Louis Rams, looking to inject dynamism into their offense, made a bold move to select Austin with the eighth overall pick.
Austin’s selection was a testament to his immense potential and the Rams’ belief in his ability to transform their offensive landscape. The impact of his draft position on his career trajectory and expectations is a fascinating aspect of his story.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Position and Career Trajectory
Austin’s selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft set high expectations for his career. The Rams were hoping he would be a game-changer, a dynamic playmaker who could revolutionize their offense. However, Austin’s career didn’t quite unfold as anticipated.
While he showcased his exceptional speed and agility on the field, his role and impact on the Rams’ offense were inconsistent. He struggled to find a consistent rhythm and establish himself as a dominant force. Despite his talent, Austin never quite lived up to the expectations that came with being a top-10 draft pick.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Position Compared to Other Players
Tavon Austin’s draft position and performance can be compared to other notable players selected in the same draft.
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (1st overall): Fisher has been a solid, consistent starter for the Chiefs, establishing himself as a cornerstone of their offensive line. His selection as the first overall pick reflects his high draft stock and the expectations that came with it.
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd overall): Joeckel’s career has been plagued by injuries, limiting his impact on the field. While he showed flashes of potential, his draft position and subsequent performance haven’t aligned.
- Dee Milliner, Cornerback, New York Jets (9th overall): Milliner’s career has been marred by injuries and inconsistent play. He hasn’t lived up to the expectations associated with being a top-10 pick.
These examples illustrate the inherent uncertainty and unpredictability of the NFL Draft. While some players selected high in the draft live up to their expectations, others struggle to make a significant impact. Austin’s career serves as a reminder that draft position alone does not guarantee success.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was a rollercoaster ride, marked by flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistencies. He was a highly-touted prospect, known for his explosive speed and elusiveness, but his impact on the league was often overshadowed by injury concerns and a lack of consistent production.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career Timeline
Tavon Austin’s NFL career spanned eight seasons, with a mix of highs and lows. Here’s a timeline of his journey:
- 2013: Drafted 8th overall by the St. Louis Rams. Austin made an immediate impact, showcasing his big-play ability as a receiver and return specialist. He was named to the Pro Bowl as a returner and earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
- 2014-2016: Austin continued to show glimpses of his potential but struggled with injuries and inconsistency. He was utilized in a variety of roles, including wide receiver, running back, and returner, but never truly found a consistent niche.
- 2017: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys. Austin’s time in Dallas was short-lived, as he was released after just one season. He failed to make a significant impact on the Cowboys offense.
- 2018: Signed by the San Francisco 49ers. Austin played in 13 games for the 49ers, primarily as a return specialist.
- 2019: Signed by the Miami Dolphins. Austin spent the entire season on injured reserve, failing to appear in any games.
- 2020: Austin announced his retirement from the NFL after a career filled with both promise and disappointment.
Challenges and Opportunities, Tavon austin draft
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was characterized by a combination of challenges and opportunities.
- Injuries: Austin’s most significant challenge was his susceptibility to injuries. He battled hamstring, foot, and shoulder issues throughout his career, limiting his availability and hindering his progress.
- Role Confusion: Austin’s versatility, while initially seen as an asset, also contributed to his struggles. He was often used in multiple roles, making it difficult for him to establish a consistent identity and develop a rhythm within the offense.
- Lack of Consistency: Austin’s explosiveness and playmaking ability were undeniable, but his performances were often inconsistent. He had a knack for making big plays but also struggled with drops and fumbles.
- Opportunity to Prove Himself: Despite the challenges, Austin had numerous opportunities to prove himself throughout his career. He was drafted high, played for multiple teams, and had coaches who believed in his potential.
- Potential to Excel as a Returner: Austin’s speed and agility made him a dangerous returner. He had the potential to be a dominant force in this area, as evidenced by his Pro Bowl selection in 2013.
Statistical Performance
Year | Team | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns | Kickoff Return Average | Punt Return Average |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2013 | Rams | 16 | 40 | 573 | 4 | 60 | 341 | 2 | 25.2 | 10.3 |
2014 | Rams | 13 | 58 | 473 | 1 | 47 | 215 | 1 | 26.8 | 9.4 |
2015 | Rams | 12 | 37 | 418 | 2 | 35 | 133 | 0 | 27.3 | 11.5 |
2016 | Rams | 11 | 25 | 249 | 0 | 14 | 61 | 0 | 23.5 | 8.7 |
2017 | Cowboys | 11 | 11 | 126 | 1 | 13 | 49 | 0 | 25.4 | 8.6 |
2018 | 49ers | 13 | 1 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24.1 | 10.2 |
The Tavon Austin draft was a moment of high anticipation, a flash of brilliance projected onto the canvas of the NFL. His electrifying speed, a force of nature unleashed on the gridiron, was evident in his college days, particularly in the tavon austin vs oklahoma showdown.
This clash of titans, a dance of agility and strategy, foreshadowed the impact he would have on the professional stage, a testament to the raw talent that could ignite the hearts of fans and the minds of coaches alike.
Tavon Austin’s selection in the 2013 NFL Draft was a moment of anticipation, a promise of electrifying speed and game-changing plays. That year’s draft, a tapestry woven with hopes and dreams, 2013 NFL Draft , was a crucible where potential was forged into reality.
Austin’s journey, a testament to the unpredictable nature of destiny, unfolded within this vibrant landscape, revealing the intricate dance between talent and circumstance.