Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a dynamic and explosive offensive weapon for West Virginia University, showcasing his exceptional speed, agility, and versatility as a wide receiver and return specialist. His electrifying playmaking ability and game-changing potential made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Tavon Austin’s College Career at West Virginia University
Tavon Austin’s college career at West Virginia University was marked by his remarkable athleticism and explosiveness. He was a standout player for the Mountaineers, earning numerous accolades and setting several school records.
- In his junior season, Austin led the nation in all-purpose yards, showcasing his versatility and big-play ability. He was also a consensus All-American and the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
- Austin’s speed and agility were evident in his ability to make defenders miss in the open field. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, whether as a receiver, running back, or return specialist.
- His 2012 season saw him break the NCAA single-season record for all-purpose yards, further solidifying his reputation as a game-changer.
- Austin’s exceptional speed was also demonstrated in his impressive track and field career. He was a state champion in the 100-meter dash and the long jump, showcasing his natural athleticism.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths as a Prospect
Tavon Austin’s strengths as a prospect were undeniable, particularly his speed, agility, and versatility.
- His exceptional speed made him a constant threat to break away for big plays, creating explosive gains and forcing defenses to account for his speed at all times.
- Austin’s agility and elusiveness allowed him to make defenders miss in the open field, showcasing his ability to navigate through traffic and create separation from defenders.
- His versatility as a receiver, running back, and return specialist made him a valuable asset for any team, as he could be utilized in various ways to maximize his impact on the field.
Tavon Austin’s Weaknesses as a Prospect
Despite his many strengths, Tavon Austin also had some weaknesses as a prospect.
- His size was a concern for some scouts, as he was considered undersized for a wide receiver, potentially limiting his ability to compete against bigger and more physical defenders.
- Some scouts questioned his durability, citing a history of minor injuries, raising concerns about his ability to withstand the rigors of a professional football season.
- Austin’s route-running was also a point of discussion, with some scouts believing he needed to refine his technique and consistency in this area to be a successful NFL receiver.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Stock and Potential
Tavon Austin was widely considered a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, with many analysts projecting him to be selected in the top 10. His exceptional athleticism, versatility, and big-play potential made him a highly sought-after prospect.
- NFL scouts and analysts were impressed by his speed, agility, and ability to create big plays. They saw him as a dynamic weapon who could add a new dimension to any offense.
- However, some scouts expressed concerns about his size and durability, suggesting that he might need to adjust to the physicality of the NFL game.
- Despite these concerns, Tavon Austin’s potential was undeniable, and he was expected to make an immediate impact at the next level.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Draft Selection: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin’s selection in the 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event, marked by both anticipation and uncertainty. The St. Louis Rams, eager to inject dynamism into their offense, made a bold move by selecting Austin with the eighth overall pick.
The Rams’ Rationale for Selecting Tavon Austin, Tavon austin draft
The Rams, under head coach Jeff Fisher, saw Austin as a game-changing talent who could revolutionize their offensive scheme. His electrifying speed, agility, and versatility made him an irresistible prospect. The team envisioned Austin as a dynamic weapon, capable of lining up in various positions, creating mismatches for opposing defenses, and stretching the field vertically. His ability to return kicks and punts added further value, making him a multi-faceted threat.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was marked by flashes of brilliance and unrealized potential. Drafted eighth overall in 2013, he was expected to be a game-changing weapon for the St. Louis Rams. However, injuries, inconsistency, and a shifting role hampered his development, leading to a series of moves across different teams.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Timeline
Tavon Austin’s NFL career spanned eight seasons, with him playing for four different teams. The following timeline highlights key moments and performances:
- 2013-2017: St. Louis Rams: Drafted eighth overall, Austin initially played as a wide receiver and return specialist. His speed and agility were evident in his 2013 season, where he recorded 41 receptions for 573 yards and four touchdowns, while also returning a punt for a touchdown. His role evolved in subsequent seasons, with him being used more frequently as a running back, even lining up in the backfield. Despite a 2015 season where he caught 58 passes for 473 yards and two touchdowns, his overall impact was limited by injuries and inconsistency.
- 2018: Dallas Cowboys: Traded to the Cowboys, Austin played a limited role in their offense, primarily as a return specialist. He recorded only 14 receptions for 119 yards and one touchdown.
- 2019: San Francisco 49ers: Signed by the 49ers, Austin was released after just a few weeks. He was then signed by the New York Jets but never appeared in a game for them.
- 2020: Buffalo Bills: Signed by the Bills, Austin played a limited role in their offense, primarily as a return specialist. He finished the season with only 10 receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown.
Tavon Austin’s Performance Across Positions
Tavon Austin played a variety of positions throughout his NFL career, including wide receiver, running back, and return specialist. While his speed and agility made him a threat in all of these roles, his effectiveness varied depending on the position.
- Wide Receiver: Austin’s speed and quickness made him a dangerous weapon in the open field. He had the ability to create separation from defenders and make big plays. However, he struggled with consistency and dropped passes. He also lacked the size and strength to be a true number one receiver.
- Running Back: Austin’s speed and agility were valuable assets in the running game. He could make defenders miss in the open field and create big plays. However, his small size made him susceptible to injury and he was not a reliable pass-catching back.
- Return Specialist: Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a dangerous return specialist. He was a threat to take any kick or punt to the house. However, he was prone to fumbling and sometimes made questionable decisions in the return game.
Factors Affecting Tavon Austin’s Career Trajectory
A number of factors contributed to Tavon Austin’s career trajectory, both positive and negative. These include:
- Injuries: Austin was plagued by injuries throughout his career, limiting his ability to stay on the field and develop consistency.
- Shifting Roles: Austin’s role in the offense often shifted, making it difficult for him to establish a consistent rhythm and develop chemistry with his quarterbacks.
- Inconsistency: Austin was prone to inconsistency, both in his playmaking ability and his ability to stay healthy.
- Limited Size and Strength: Austin’s small size and lack of strength limited his effectiveness as a receiver and running back. He struggled to break tackles and was often overpowered by bigger defenders.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s draft journey was marked by both excitement and uncertainty. As a player with exceptional speed and agility, he was projected to be a high pick, but concerns about his size and his ability to translate his college success to the NFL lingered.
His eventual selection by the St. Louis Rams in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, as detailed in tavon austin draft , became a defining moment in his career, setting the stage for a unique and often challenging path in the professional football landscape.
Tavon Austin’s draft stock soared due to his electrifying speed and agility, making him a coveted prospect. After being selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, he spent five seasons in the league before joining the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.
Tavon Austin’s time with the Cowboys proved to be a brief but memorable one, as he displayed his unique skillset in a limited role. His time in Dallas served as a reminder of the potential he showcased in the draft, and his ability to make a significant impact on the field in a limited role further highlighted his unique talent.