Tavon Austin Draft A Look at His NFL Journey - Tayla Wilkins

Tavon Austin Draft A Look at His NFL Journey

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft

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Tavon Austin, a dynamic and explosive playmaker, emerged as a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying performances at West Virginia University showcased his exceptional speed, agility, and versatility, making him a tantalizing prospect for NFL teams seeking to inject dynamism into their offenses.

College Career and Achievements

Austin’s college career at West Virginia was a testament to his remarkable talent and athleticism. He burst onto the scene as a freshman, showcasing his explosiveness and playmaking ability. His speed and agility allowed him to be a constant threat in the return game, and his receiving skills made him a valuable weapon in the passing game.

  • During his four seasons at West Virginia, Austin amassed impressive statistics, including 2,886 receiving yards and 32 receiving touchdowns.
  • He also excelled as a return specialist, accumulating 2,114 kick return yards and two touchdowns, and 1,325 punt return yards and two touchdowns.
  • In 2012, Austin was recognized for his outstanding performance, earning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Austin’s unique blend of speed, agility, and versatility made him a highly intriguing prospect.

  • His speed was arguably his most notable attribute, as he consistently outran defenders and created big plays.
  • His agility and elusiveness allowed him to make defenders miss in the open field, making him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
  • Austin’s versatility was another significant asset, as he could be utilized as a receiver, running back, and return specialist.

However, some concerns were raised about his size and ability to handle the physicality of the NFL game.

  • At 5’8″ and 175 pounds, Austin was considered undersized for a wide receiver.
  • Some scouts questioned his ability to consistently win against bigger and more physical defenders.

Pre-Draft Evaluation

Austin’s performance at the NFL Combine further solidified his status as a top prospect.

  • He ran a blazing 4.34-second 40-yard dash, showcasing his exceptional speed.
  • He also impressed in other drills, demonstrating his agility and explosiveness.

Expert opinions on Austin were generally positive, with many analysts recognizing his potential as a dynamic offensive weapon.

  • Several draft experts projected Austin as a first-round pick, highlighting his unique skill set and potential to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Selection

Tavon austin draft
The 2013 NFL Draft saw Tavon Austin, a dynamic and electrifying playmaker from West Virginia, become the subject of intense anticipation. His exceptional speed, agility, and versatility made him a coveted prospect, and the St. Louis Rams, in a bold move, selected him with the eighth overall pick.

The Rams’ Draft Strategy and Tavon Austin’s Fit

The Rams’ draft strategy in 2013 was focused on bolstering their offensive firepower. They had a young quarterback in Sam Bradford and a promising offensive line, but they lacked a game-breaking weapon who could create explosive plays. Tavon Austin, with his exceptional speed and ability to make defenders miss, perfectly fit into their plans. They envisioned him as a dynamic playmaker who could be a threat both as a receiver and a running back, adding a new dimension to their offense.

Expectations and Hopes for Tavon Austin

The expectations surrounding Tavon Austin’s arrival in the NFL were high. Many analysts and fans saw him as a potential game-changer, a player who could transform the Rams’ offense and lead them to new heights. They hoped he would bring the same explosiveness and electrifying plays that he had showcased in college, creating big plays and opening up the field for his teammates. The Rams, in turn, were eager to see him unleash his potential and become a cornerstone of their offense.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career

Tavon austin draft
Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was a tale of immense talent and potential, but also one marked by inconsistency and the struggle to find a consistent role. Despite his electrifying speed and agility, Austin’s career never quite lived up to the expectations that accompanied him as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Stint with the Rams

Austin’s NFL career began with the St. Louis Rams, who drafted him as a dynamic offensive weapon with the potential to be a game-changer. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, as he showcased his speed and elusiveness, particularly as a return specialist. Austin’s 89-yard punt return touchdown in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals was a highlight, demonstrating his explosive ability. However, Austin struggled to find a consistent role in the Rams’ offense, often being used as a gadget player rather than a true receiver.

Austin’s Role and Statistics with the Rams

  • Austin’s versatility was his strength, as he lined up in various positions, including wide receiver, running back, and slot receiver. He recorded 1,085 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Rams, showing promise as a pass catcher. However, his production fluctuated, and his impact on the offense was inconsistent.
  • Austin’s role as a return specialist was consistently effective, and he became a key contributor in this area. He averaged 10.1 yards per punt return and 24.3 yards per kickoff return during his time with the Rams, showcasing his explosive speed and ability to make defenders miss.
  • Austin’s effectiveness as a return specialist was a valuable asset for the Rams, but it also limited his opportunities to develop as a receiver.

Challenges Faced by Austin with the Rams

  • Austin faced challenges adjusting to the NFL level, as the increased speed and complexity of the game required him to develop his route running and overall football IQ.
  • Austin’s size (5’8″, 174 pounds) was a factor in his ability to consistently win against larger defenders. This led to him being targeted on shorter routes and struggling to create separation against tight coverage.
  • Austin’s inconsistency as a receiver and his limited impact in the Rams’ passing game led to frustration and uncertainty about his role within the offense.

Move to the Cowboys

After four seasons with the Rams, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2017, hoping for a fresh start and a more defined role. The Cowboys saw him as a potential weapon in their offensive scheme, but his time in Dallas was ultimately short-lived and largely disappointing.

Austin’s Role and Statistics with the Cowboys

  • Austin was expected to be a key contributor in the Cowboys’ offense, but he struggled to find his footing. He caught only 13 passes for 129 yards and one touchdown in 12 games with the Cowboys, a far cry from the expectations that surrounded him.
  • Austin’s lack of production in Dallas was a result of his inability to consistently create separation and make big plays. His speed and agility were still evident, but his lack of size and route-running skills hindered his ability to make a significant impact.
  • Austin’s time with the Cowboys was marred by injuries and inconsistency, further hindering his development and contributing to his limited role in the offense.

Challenges Faced by Austin with the Cowboys

  • Austin struggled to adapt to the Cowboys’ offensive scheme, which emphasized a more traditional approach to the passing game, limiting his opportunities for big plays.
  • Austin’s lack of size and physicality made it difficult for him to win against bigger cornerbacks in the NFL, leading to a decrease in his targets and production.
  • Austin’s injuries, including a hamstring injury that sidelined him for a significant portion of the season, further hampered his ability to establish himself as a consistent contributor.

Final Stint with the Bills, Tavon austin draft

After a brief stint with the Cowboys, Austin signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2018, hoping to revive his career. However, his time in Buffalo was short-lived, and he was released after only one season.

Austin’s Role and Statistics with the Bills

  • Austin played in 13 games for the Bills, but he only recorded 11 receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown. He struggled to find a consistent role in the offense, and his impact was minimal.
  • Austin’s lack of production in Buffalo was a reflection of his declining skills and the emergence of other young receivers on the Bills’ roster. He was no longer the explosive playmaker he once was, and his opportunities to contribute were limited.
  • Austin’s time with the Bills was a disappointing end to his NFL career, as he was unable to recapture the magic that had once made him a highly sought-after prospect.

Challenges Faced by Austin with the Bills

  • Austin faced stiff competition for playing time with the Bills, as they had a young and talented group of receivers, including Stefon Diggs, John Brown, and Cole Beasley.
  • Austin’s lack of consistency and his declining skills made it difficult for him to earn a regular role in the Bills’ offense.
  • Austin’s time with the Bills was a reminder of the challenges he faced throughout his career, as he was unable to overcome his limitations and establish himself as a reliable contributor.

Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin, the electrifying wide receiver from West Virginia, was a hot commodity in the 2013 NFL Draft. His blazing speed and elusive moves made him a potential game-changer, and teams were eager to see him on their rosters.

The 2013 NFL Draft was full of excitement and surprises, and Austin was no exception. He was ultimately selected by the St. Louis Rams, a team that was looking to add a spark to their offense. Austin’s career in the NFL may not have lived up to the hype, but his impact on the 2013 draft is undeniable.

Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and agility. He was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams, sparking hopes of a dynamic offensive weapon. To see how his career unfolded, check out his tavon austin nfl stats , which tell the story of his journey through the league.

Despite facing challenges, Austin’s explosive potential made him a fan favorite and a reminder of the captivating possibilities that can arise from a high draft selection.

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