Tavon Austin Draft Pick A Look at His Rise and NFL Career

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile

Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his explosive speed and versatility. His college career at West Virginia showcased his unique skillset, leaving many scouts and analysts intrigued by his potential.

Tavon Austin’s College Career at West Virginia

Austin’s time at West Virginia was marked by his electrifying performances as a wide receiver and return specialist. He demonstrated remarkable speed, agility, and elusiveness, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Strengths

• Exceptional Speed and Agility: Austin’s 4.34 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine solidified his reputation as one of the fastest players in the draft. His agility and quick cuts allowed him to create separation from defenders and make big plays in the open field.
• Versatility: Austin’s ability to play both wide receiver and return specialist made him a valuable asset to the Mountaineers. He excelled in both roles, demonstrating his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple ways.
• Playmaking Ability: Austin possessed a knack for making big plays, whether it was catching a touchdown pass or returning a punt for a score. His explosiveness and elusiveness made him a threat to score every time he touched the ball.

Weaknesses

• Size and Strength: Austin’s relatively small stature (5’8″, 174 pounds) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of NFL defenses. His lack of strength was also a potential issue, particularly in contested catches and blocking assignments.
• Route Running: While Austin’s speed and agility were impressive, his route running needed refinement. His tendency to rely on his athleticism over precise route execution could limit his effectiveness against more experienced NFL defenders.
• Durability: Austin’s injury history, including a broken foot in 2011, raised questions about his durability at the next level. The NFL is a physically demanding league, and Austin’s smaller frame could make him more susceptible to injuries.

Factors Contributing to Tavon Austin’s High Draft Stock, Tavon austin draft pick

Austin’s impressive athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability were the primary factors that contributed to his high draft stock. His explosive speed and agility made him a unique talent with the potential to be a game-changer at the next level.

Impressive Athleticism

Austin’s speed and agility were undeniable, making him a standout prospect. His 4.34 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine was among the fastest in the class, highlighting his explosive athleticism.

Versatility

Austin’s ability to play both wide receiver and return specialist made him a valuable asset to any team. His versatility allowed him to contribute in multiple ways, making him a more attractive draft prospect.

Playmaking Ability

Austin’s ability to make big plays was evident throughout his college career. He consistently made defenders miss in the open field, showcasing his elusiveness and ability to create scoring opportunities.

Expectations and Hype Surrounding Tavon Austin

Leading up to the draft, Austin generated significant hype and excitement. Many scouts and analysts believed he had the potential to be a dynamic offensive weapon at the NFL level.

High Expectations

Austin was projected to be a first-round pick, with many analysts believing he could be a game-changer for the team that drafted him. His speed, agility, and playmaking ability made him a highly sought-after prospect.

Comparisons to Other Players

Austin was often compared to other dynamic playmakers like DeSean Jackson and Percy Harvin. These comparisons fueled the hype surrounding him and raised expectations for his success at the NFL level.

The St. Louis Rams’ Selection of Tavon Austin: Tavon Austin Draft Pick

The St. Louis Rams entered the 2013 NFL Draft with a clear objective: to inject dynamism into their offense. After a disappointing 2012 season, the Rams were in desperate need of a playmaker who could create big plays and spark their stagnant attack. Their draft strategy focused on acquiring offensive talent, particularly a versatile weapon who could thrive in their offensive scheme. This led them to the selection of Tavon Austin, a dynamic and explosive wide receiver from West Virginia, with the eighth overall pick.

The Rams’ Rationale for Selecting Tavon Austin

The Rams’ decision to draft Tavon Austin stemmed from their assessment of his unique skillset and its potential to transform their offense. Austin’s exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a threat to defenses in multiple ways. He possessed the ability to stretch the field vertically, create explosive plays after the catch, and even serve as a dangerous return specialist. The Rams believed that Austin’s versatility and playmaking ability could unlock their offense and create opportunities for other players.

Comparison of Tavon Austin’s Skillset with Other Available Players

The 2013 draft class boasted several talented wide receivers, including players like DeAndre Hopkins, Cordarrelle Patterson, and Keenan Allen. While these players possessed impressive skillsets, the Rams felt that Austin’s unique blend of speed, agility, and versatility made him the most dynamic option available at that position.

• Tavon Austin: Possessed elite speed, exceptional agility, and elusiveness, making him a threat to defenses in multiple ways. He could stretch the field vertically, create explosive plays after the catch, and even serve as a dangerous return specialist.
• DeAndre Hopkins: A big, physical receiver with strong hands and a knack for making contested catches. He was considered a reliable target with the potential to be a dominant red zone threat.
• Cordarrelle Patterson: Known for his blazing speed and big-play ability, Patterson was a potential home-run hitter with the ability to take any touch to the house. However, he lacked the route-running polish and consistency of other receivers in the class.
• Keenan Allen: A polished route runner with strong hands and a good understanding of the game. Allen was projected as a reliable possession receiver with the potential to be a consistent contributor in the NFL.

The Rams’ decision to select Tavon Austin over other talented wide receivers reflected their belief in his unique skillset and its potential to revolutionize their offense. While other players in the draft possessed impressive qualities, the Rams felt that Austin’s dynamic playmaking ability and versatility made him the most valuable asset available at that position.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career

Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a rollercoaster ride marked by moments of brilliance alongside frustrating inconsistency. His unique skillset as a versatile offensive weapon made him a coveted prospect, but his inability to consistently translate his talent into consistent production left many questioning his long-term impact. Despite facing challenges, Austin carved out a significant role in the NFL, showcasing his explosiveness and electrifying playmaking ability.

Impact on the Rams’ Offense

Austin’s arrival in St. Louis generated immense excitement, and he quickly became a focal point of the Rams’ offensive scheme. His versatility allowed him to contribute as a receiver, running back, and return specialist, creating mismatches and posing a constant threat to opposing defenses.

• Receiver: Austin’s speed and agility made him a dangerous target in the passing game. He was particularly effective on short and intermediate routes, where he could quickly gain separation and turn short passes into big gains. He also displayed the ability to make difficult catches in traffic, showcasing his strong hands and body control.
• Running Back: Austin’s elusiveness and burst made him a valuable weapon in the Rams’ running game. He could be used on screens, jet sweeps, and even traditional running plays, where he could exploit his speed and agility to create big plays. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field was a constant threat to opposing defenses.
• Return Specialist: Austin’s speed and instincts made him a dynamic return specialist. He consistently made big returns on both kickoffs and punts, adding an explosive element to the Rams’ special teams unit. His ability to turn returns into touchdowns was a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Factors Limiting Austin’s Potential

While Austin’s talent was undeniable, several factors contributed to his inability to reach his full potential as an NFL player.

• Durability: Injuries played a significant role in Austin’s career. He missed significant time due to various injuries, including a broken foot and a hamstring injury. These injuries limited his ability to build consistency and momentum throughout his career.
• Size: Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 174 lbs) was a factor in his limited impact. He struggled to consistently break tackles against larger defenders and faced challenges in blocking assignments. This limited his effectiveness in certain situations, especially in the running game.
• Route Running: Austin’s route running was inconsistent, leading to miscommunication with quarterbacks and limiting his ability to create separation. He relied heavily on his speed and athleticism to create space, but he struggled against more experienced defensive backs who could anticipate his routes.
• Role Definition: Austin’s versatility was both a blessing and a curse. He was often used in multiple roles, which made it difficult for him to master any one position and reach his full potential in each. Teams struggled to find a consistent role for him, which led to inconsistency in his production.

Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect coming out of West Virginia, known for his electrifying speed and agility. The St. Louis Rams selected him with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, hoping he would be a game-changer.

His career, however, was marred by injuries and inconsistency, leading to a series of roster moves across several teams. Despite his short time in the NFL, Austin’s speed and talent earned him a substantial income, as seen in his tavon austin net worth.

While his draft position was high, his career trajectory didn’t quite match the expectations placed on him.