Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and electrifying playmaker, emerged as one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft. His exceptional speed, agility, and versatility made him a coveted target for teams seeking to inject explosiveness into their offenses. Austin’s college career at West Virginia showcased his unique skillset and left scouts eager to see how his talents would translate to the professional level.
College Football Career at West Virginia
Austin’s collegiate journey at West Virginia was marked by consistent brilliance and a string of impressive performances. He quickly established himself as a dynamic weapon for the Mountaineers, showcasing his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
- Statistics: Austin’s statistics speak volumes about his impact. In his three seasons at West Virginia, he amassed 2,888 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns. His exceptional speed allowed him to consistently break away from defenders, averaging an impressive 16.1 yards per reception. He also demonstrated his versatility by rushing for 1,434 yards and 17 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a threat in both the passing and rushing game.
- Accolades: Austin’s on-field brilliance earned him numerous accolades. He was named a consensus All-American in 2012 and received the Biletnikoff Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top receiver. His exceptional performances earned him a spot on the 2012 All-Big 12 First Team and solidified his status as one of the most electrifying players in college football.
Strengths and Weaknesses as a Prospect, Tavon austin draft pick
Austin’s strengths as a prospect were evident throughout his college career. His explosive speed, exceptional agility, and versatility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. However, scouts also identified areas where he needed to improve to succeed at the professional level.
Strengths
- Speed: Austin’s blazing speed was his most notable attribute. He possessed the ability to outrun defenders with ease, creating big plays with his explosiveness. His 4.28-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine solidified his status as one of the fastest players in the draft.
- Agility: Austin’s exceptional agility and elusiveness made him a difficult player to tackle in the open field. His ability to change direction quickly and make defenders miss allowed him to create separation from coverage and gain significant yardage after the catch.
- Versatility: Austin’s versatility was a major asset. He excelled as a receiver, running back, and return specialist. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game made him a valuable asset for any team.
Weaknesses
- Size: At 5’8″ and 174 pounds, Austin’s size was a concern for some scouts. His lack of size could make it difficult for him to compete against larger defenders in the NFL.
- Route Running: While Austin was a skilled receiver, some scouts questioned his route running ability. They felt he needed to refine his route technique and develop a wider range of routes to succeed at the next level.
- Durability: Austin’s injury history raised concerns about his durability. He had missed some time in college due to injuries, and scouts wondered if he could withstand the physical demands of the NFL.
Comparison to Other Wide Receivers Drafted in the Same Year
Tavon Austin’s draft profile was compared to other wide receivers selected in the 2013 NFL Draft, highlighting both similarities and differences.
- DeAndre Hopkins: Hopkins, a standout receiver from Clemson, was considered a more polished route runner with a stronger frame than Austin. However, Austin’s speed and elusiveness were seen as distinct advantages. While Hopkins was projected to be a reliable possession receiver, Austin was expected to be a game-changing playmaker.
- Cordarrelle Patterson: Patterson, a dynamic receiver from Tennessee, possessed exceptional speed and athleticism, similar to Austin. Both were considered to be explosive playmakers with the potential to make big plays. However, Patterson was a more physical receiver with a bigger frame, while Austin’s agility and elusiveness were seen as unique strengths.
- Robert Woods: Woods, a talented receiver from USC, was known for his strong hands, route running ability, and overall consistency. While Woods was considered a more polished receiver, Austin’s speed and versatility were seen as potential game-changing attributes.
The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event in the history of the league, with several notable players being selected and traded. Tavon Austin was one of the players selected in this draft, and his selection was influenced by a variety of factors, including team needs and scouting reports. The draft’s impact on Austin’s career trajectory is still being analyzed today.
Top Picks and Notable Trades
The 2013 NFL Draft was marked by several high-profile selections and trades. The top picks in the draft were:
- Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
- Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Dion Jordan, Defensive End, Miami Dolphins
- Geno Smith, Quarterback, New York Jets
- Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns
One of the most notable trades in the draft involved the St. Louis Rams, who traded up to the No. 8 overall pick to select Tavon Austin. The Rams gave up their No. 16 overall pick, their No. 133 overall pick, and a first-round pick in the 2014 draft to move up.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Position
Several factors influenced Tavon Austin’s draft position, including team needs and scouting reports.
- Team Needs: The St. Louis Rams were in need of a dynamic playmaker on offense, and Austin was seen as a player who could fill that role. Austin’s versatility, speed, and elusiveness made him a perfect fit for the Rams’ offense.
- Scouting Reports: Austin was widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the 2013 draft class. He was known for his explosive speed, quickness, and ability to make big plays. Scouting reports praised Austin’s athleticism, playmaking ability, and potential to be a game-changer at the NFL level.
Impact on Tavon Austin’s Career
The 2013 NFL Draft had a significant impact on Tavon Austin’s career trajectory. While Austin had a successful college career at West Virginia, his NFL career has been marked by inconsistency. Some experts believe that the pressure of being a high draft pick and the expectations that came with it contributed to his struggles.
“I think the pressure of being a high draft pick definitely weighed on him,” said one NFL scout. “He was expected to be a star right away, and when he didn’t live up to those expectations, it seemed to affect his confidence.”
Despite his struggles, Austin has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career. He has the potential to be a game-changer, but he has yet to consistently live up to his potential. The 2013 NFL Draft was a turning point in Austin’s career, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in the years to come.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
Tavon Austin, the electrifying playmaker from West Virginia, entered the NFL with sky-high expectations after being selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. His journey through the league was marked by both dazzling moments and frustrating inconsistency, ultimately leaving fans and analysts pondering his true potential.
Tavon Austin’s Journey Through the NFL
Austin’s NFL career spanned eight seasons, taking him through three different teams: the St. Louis Rams, the Dallas Cowboys, and the San Francisco 49ers. He experienced both highs and lows during this time, leaving a lasting impression on the league while also facing challenges that hindered his full realization as a star player.
- St. Louis Rams (2013-2017): Austin’s NFL journey began with the St. Louis Rams, where he was expected to be a dynamic weapon in their offense. He showcased his explosiveness early on, returning a punt for a touchdown in his debut game and establishing himself as a threat in both the running and passing game. Despite his talent, Austin struggled to consistently translate his abilities into consistent production. Injuries, inconsistent coaching, and a lack of a defined role in the offense contributed to his inconsistent performances.
- Dallas Cowboys (2018): After four seasons with the Rams, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he hoped to find a fresh start and a more defined role in the offense. While he had a few notable moments, his time in Dallas was short-lived. He was released by the Cowboys in the middle of the 2018 season, highlighting the challenges he faced in finding a consistent place in the league.
- San Francisco 49ers (2019): Austin’s final stop in the NFL was with the San Francisco 49ers, where he signed a one-year deal. While he didn’t make a significant impact on the team’s success, he provided veteran leadership and a valuable presence in the locker room. His final game in the NFL was a memorable one, as he returned a punt for a touchdown in the 49ers’ season finale against the Seattle Seahawks.
Factors Contributing to Tavon Austin’s Success and Challenges
While Tavon Austin’s NFL career didn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations surrounding him, he did exhibit flashes of brilliance that showcased his unique talent. Several factors, however, played a role in his struggles to consistently translate his potential into sustained success.
- Injuries: Injuries played a significant role in hindering Austin’s progress throughout his career. He missed multiple games each season due to various ailments, including hamstring, knee, and foot injuries. This lack of consistency in staying healthy prevented him from developing a rhythm and establishing himself as a reliable offensive weapon.
- Coaching Changes and Offensive Schemes: Austin faced challenges adjusting to different coaching styles and offensive schemes throughout his career. The Rams’ offense during his time there was in a state of flux, with multiple coaching changes and evolving offensive philosophies. This inconsistency in offensive direction made it difficult for Austin to find a defined role and thrive within the system.
- Lack of a Defined Role: Austin’s versatility was often seen as both a blessing and a curse. He could play wide receiver, running back, and returner, but this lack of a clear position made it challenging for teams to fully utilize his talents. His ability to excel in multiple roles, while impressive, sometimes made it difficult for coaches to establish a consistent plan for his usage.
Tavon Austin’s Career Compared to Other Players Drafted in the Same Round
Tavon Austin was selected eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, a class that included several other notable players who went on to have successful careers. While Austin’s career trajectory was marked by inconsistency, some of his fellow draftees achieved greater levels of success in the league.
- Eric Fisher (Kansas City Chiefs): Selected first overall, Fisher developed into a reliable left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, playing a key role in their Super Bowl victory in 2020. He played nine seasons in the NFL, solidifying his status as a cornerstone player for the Chiefs.
- Luke Joeckel (Jacksonville Jaguars): The second overall pick, Joeckel struggled to live up to expectations early in his career. He faced challenges with injuries and consistency, but he eventually found success with the Seattle Seahawks later in his career.
- Dee Milliner (New York Jets): Drafted ninth overall, Milliner’s career was plagued by injuries and inconsistency. He never fully lived up to his draft status and ultimately had a short-lived NFL career.
- Sharrif Floyd (Minnesota Vikings): The 23rd overall pick, Floyd showed promise early in his career but was hampered by injuries. He played only five seasons in the NFL before retiring due to injuries.
Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin’s draft pick in 2013 was a major event, with many fans and analysts excited to see his blazing speed translate to the NFL. While his career didn’t quite reach the heights some predicted, he still made a name for himself as a dynamic playmaker.
You can get a glimpse of his journey and personality by checking out his online presence, including his tavon austin instagram , where he shares glimpses of his life both on and off the field. From there, you can get a sense of how his personality and athleticism shaped his draft pick and career trajectory.
Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and agility. His selection by the St. Louis Rams with the eighth overall pick was a testament to his potential, and his journey in the league was closely watched by many.
Curious about his age at the time of his draft? You can learn more about tavon austin age and his career trajectory in the NFL. Despite facing challenges and a shorter career than anticipated, Austin’s explosive speed and dynamic playmaking abilities left a lasting impression on the league.