Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and electrifying playmaker from West Virginia University, was one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and versatility, Austin was projected to be a high-impact player at the next level. However, his relatively small stature raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
College Football Statistics and Strengths
Austin’s college career was marked by explosive plays and electrifying performances. He showcased his versatility by playing both wide receiver and running back, demonstrating his ability to make an impact in multiple facets of the game. His speed and agility were evident in his ability to break tackles, create big plays, and stretch the field vertically.
- In his senior year at West Virginia, Austin rushed for 1,189 yards and 12 touchdowns, while also catching 41 passes for 573 yards and four touchdowns.
- His 4.28 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine cemented his status as one of the fastest players in the draft, showcasing his incredible speed and explosiveness.
- Austin’s elusiveness and ability to make defenders miss were key assets, allowing him to create big plays in both the run and pass game.
Athleticism and Skillset Compared to Other Players
Austin’s athleticism and skillset were comparable to other highly-touted wide receivers in the 2013 draft class, such as DeAndre Hopkins and Cordarrelle Patterson. While Austin lacked the size of some of his peers, his explosiveness and versatility made him a unique and intriguing prospect.
- DeAndre Hopkins, a wide receiver from Clemson, was known for his strong hands, route-running ability, and physicality. He was considered a more prototypical receiver with size and strength.
- Cordarrelle Patterson, a wide receiver from Tennessee, possessed exceptional speed and athleticism, similar to Austin. He was a dynamic playmaker with the potential to be a game-changer.
- Austin’s unique skillset, combining speed, agility, and versatility, set him apart from other players in the draft. He was seen as a potential weapon in multiple offensive roles.
Impact of Size on Austin’s NFL Career
Austin’s size was a major topic of discussion leading up to the draft. While his speed and agility were undeniable assets, his relatively small frame raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
- Austin’s size could be a disadvantage in terms of blocking and battling for position against larger defenders.
- However, his elusiveness and ability to make defenders miss could help him overcome size limitations.
- Austin’s success in the NFL would depend on his ability to use his speed and agility to his advantage and minimize the impact of his size.
The St. Louis Rams’ Draft Strategy
The St. Louis Rams entered the 2013 NFL Draft with a clear objective: to rebuild their roster and establish a competitive foundation for the future. After a disappointing 2012 season, the Rams needed to address multiple weaknesses, particularly on offense.
The Rams’ Draft Strategy and the Selection of Tavon Austin
The Rams’ draft strategy was centered on adding playmakers and athleticism to their offense. They believed that selecting Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick would provide a dynamic weapon for their offense and create mismatches for opposing defenses. Austin’s speed, agility, and versatility were seen as valuable assets that could elevate the Rams’ offensive potential.
Comparison of Tavon Austin to Other Potential Options, Tavon austin draft pick
The Rams considered several other options at the eighth overall pick, including offensive tackles Lane Johnson and Eric Fisher, as well as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. However, the Rams ultimately decided that Austin’s unique skill set and potential impact on the offense outweighed the other players’ attributes.
“We were very excited about Tavon. He was the guy we had targeted. We felt like he was the best player available and he fit a need for us,” said Rams General Manager Les Snead.
While Johnson and Fisher were considered to be more traditional “safe” picks, Austin’s dynamic playmaking ability and potential to be a game-changer appealed to the Rams’ front office. They believed that Austin’s impact on the offense would be greater than the other players, even though he was considered a riskier pick.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a fascinating mix of explosive potential and frustrating inconsistency. Despite being drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, Austin never fully lived up to the lofty expectations placed upon him. His journey through the league was marked by a series of injuries, position changes, and a constant struggle to find a consistent role.
Early Career Performance
Austin’s rookie season with the Rams showed glimpses of the electrifying playmaker he was expected to be. He recorded 40 receptions for 418 yards and four touchdowns, showcasing his speed and agility as a receiver. He also returned kicks and punts, demonstrating his versatility. However, injuries hampered his progress, limiting him to just 12 games.
Austin’s second season saw him make a bigger impact, as he recorded 57 receptions for 525 yards and four touchdowns, playing a more prominent role in the Rams’ offense. However, he again struggled with injuries, playing in only 13 games.
Despite his initial promise, Austin’s career with the Rams was marked by inconsistency and a lack of consistent playing time. He struggled to find a consistent role in the offense and was often relegated to a gadget player, utilized primarily on special teams. His small stature and injury history made it difficult for him to establish himself as a reliable offensive threat.
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