Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and explosive playmaker, emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying speed, agility, and versatility made him a coveted asset for teams seeking to add a game-changing element to their offense.
College Career
Austin’s college career at West Virginia University was marked by consistent brilliance and a showcase of his unique talents. His ability to make big plays in both the running and receiving game made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Strengths
- Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin possessed remarkable speed and agility, allowing him to accelerate quickly and make sharp cuts, leaving defenders in his wake. His 40-yard dash time of 4.34 seconds at the NFL Combine solidified his reputation as one of the fastest players in the draft.
- Versatility: Austin’s ability to excel as both a running back and a wide receiver made him a valuable asset in the West Virginia offense. He could line up in the backfield, out wide, or even in the slot, creating matchup problems for opposing defenses.
- Elusive Running Style: Austin’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field was a key aspect of his game. His quick feet and change of direction made him a difficult target to tackle, allowing him to gain significant yardage after the catch.
- Big-Play Potential: Austin had a knack for making big plays, whether it was a long touchdown run, a spectacular catch, or a game-changing punt return. His ability to create explosive plays was a major asset for West Virginia.
Weaknesses
- Size and Strength: Austin’s smaller frame (5’8″, 174 pounds) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. His lack of size and strength could make him vulnerable to tackles and limit his effectiveness as a runner in between the tackles.
- Durability: Despite his athleticism, Austin had a history of minor injuries in college, raising questions about his durability at the professional level.
- Route Running: Austin’s route running needed improvement, particularly his ability to run precise routes and create separation from defenders.
Statistics and Accolades
Austin’s impressive college career was reflected in his statistics and accolades:
Statistics
| Year | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 64 | 468 | 4 | 44 | 643 | 6 |
| 2011 | 128 | 1,143 | 14 | 60 | 850 | 8 |
| 2012 | 105 | 888 | 10 | 88 | 1,289 | 11 |
Accolades
- 2012 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year
- 2012 Consensus All-American
- 2012 Biletnikoff Award Winner (best receiver in college football)
Draft Stock and Projected Role
Austin was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, and he was ultimately selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. His exceptional speed, agility, and versatility made him an attractive prospect for teams looking to add a dynamic playmaker to their offense.
Austin’s role in the NFL was initially envisioned as a hybrid player, capable of lining up as a running back, wide receiver, or even a return specialist. Teams were eager to utilize his unique skillset in creative ways, aiming to maximize his impact on the field.
The 2013 NFL Draft and Tavon Austin’s Selection: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal event for the St. Louis Rams, marking a new era for the franchise. The team, under new head coach Jeff Fisher, was in the midst of a rebuild after years of struggles. The draft was a chance to acquire young talent and lay the foundation for future success. The top prospects in the draft were a diverse group, featuring quarterbacks, offensive tackles, and defensive players. Notable trades during the draft included the Cleveland Browns’ trade up to the number one pick to select quarterback Johnny Manziel.
The Rams’ Draft Strategy and Tavon Austin’s Selection
The Rams entered the draft with a clear need for offensive weapons. They had a young quarterback in Sam Bradford, but lacked playmakers on the outside. Their draft strategy focused on addressing this need, and they identified Tavon Austin as a potential game-changer. Austin, a dynamic playmaker from West Virginia, was a highly sought-after prospect with exceptional speed and agility. His ability to make plays in both the running and passing game made him a unique talent.
“We were very excited about Tavon’s skill set,” said Rams general manager Les Snead. “He’s a dynamic playmaker who can change the game in a lot of ways.”
The Rams believed Austin’s versatility and explosiveness would make him a valuable asset to their offense. They saw him as a player who could create big plays and open up the field for other players. With the eighth overall pick, the Rams made their decision, selecting Tavon Austin.
The Impact of Austin’s Selection on the Rams
Austin’s selection was met with excitement and optimism from the Rams’ fanbase. Fans were eager to see what he could do in the NFL. The Rams hoped he would bring a spark to their offense and help them contend for a playoff spot. Austin’s arrival also brought a new dimension to the Rams’ offense, adding speed and explosiveness. His presence opened up opportunities for other players and created a more dynamic attack.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL career, though filled with flashes of brilliance, was ultimately a tale of unfulfilled potential. Despite his electrifying speed and agility, Austin struggled to consistently translate his college success into a dominant force in the professional ranks. While he showcased glimpses of his game-breaking ability, injuries and a lack of consistent playing time hampered his progress, leading to a career that fell short of pre-draft expectations.
Tavon Austin’s Performance Across NFL Seasons, Tavon austin draft pick
Austin’s career was marked by a mix of impressive performances and frustrating inconsistency. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, showcasing his big-play potential and electrifying the Rams’ offense. However, injuries and a lack of defined role limited his effectiveness in subsequent seasons.
- 2013 (Rookie Season): Austin burst onto the scene with a dynamic rookie season, racking up 41 receptions for 573 yards and 4 touchdowns. He displayed his exceptional speed and elusiveness, averaging an impressive 13.9 yards per reception. Austin’s ability to make big plays and create excitement on the field earned him a Pro Bowl selection and the title of NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
- 2014-2017: Austin continued to show flashes of brilliance but struggled with consistency and injuries. He dealt with a variety of injuries, including a broken foot, a fractured rib, and a hamstring injury, which limited his playing time and prevented him from establishing a steady rhythm.
- 2018: Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in the offseason, hoping for a fresh start. However, he failed to find a consistent role in the Cowboys’ offense and was released mid-season.
Comparison of Austin’s Career Trajectory to Pre-Draft Expectations
Tavon Austin entered the 2013 NFL Draft with immense hype, widely regarded as one of the most explosive playmakers in the draft class. His electrifying speed and agility, coupled with his versatility as a receiver and returner, made him a highly sought-after prospect.
“Austin is a dynamic playmaker who can take it to the house at any moment.” – NFL Draft Analyst
However, Austin’s career trajectory fell short of the lofty expectations set upon him. While he showcased his talent in flashes, injuries and inconsistent playing time hampered his progress.
- High Expectations: Many analysts predicted that Austin would be a dominant force in the NFL, comparing him to players like DeSean Jackson and T.Y. Hilton. His ability to create big plays and stretch the field was expected to be a game-changer for any team that drafted him.
- Unfulfilled Potential: Despite his initial success, Austin’s career never reached the heights that many had anticipated. He struggled to stay healthy, and his role in the Rams’ offense was never fully defined. His inconsistency and lack of a clear path to success led to his eventual departure from St. Louis.
Tavon Austin’s Career Statistics
| Year | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | St. Louis Rams | 41 | 573 | 4 | 24 | 152 | 0 |
| 2014 | St. Louis Rams | 58 | 473 | 2 | 22 | 102 | 0 |
| 2015 | St. Louis Rams | 50 | 441 | 3 | 33 | 161 | 1 |
| 2016 | Los Angeles Rams | 47 | 457 | 2 | 31 | 149 | 0 |
| 2017 | Los Angeles Rams | 25 | 220 | 1 | 15 | 55 | 0 |
| 2018 | Dallas Cowboys | 13 | 108 | 0 | 3 | 23 | 0 |
| Total | 234 | 2272 | 12 | 158 | 742 | 1 |
Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin’s electrifying speed made him a coveted draft pick, and his electrifying runs on the field were a sight to behold. To truly appreciate his blazing speed and agility, you have to see it in action. Check out this compilation of his highlights and you’ll understand why he was a game-changer for any team he played on.
His impact on the draft and his performance on the field cemented his legacy as a true speed demon.
Tavon Austin’s draft pick was a gamble, a bet on raw speed and agility. The question on everyone’s mind was, could he translate his electrifying college game to the NFL? One game in particular, tavon austin vs oklahoma , showcased his potential, leaving fans wondering if he could replicate that magic on a bigger stage.
Despite a few flashes of brilliance, Austin’s NFL career never quite reached the heights many predicted, a reminder that the transition from college to pro can be a brutal reality check.
