Tavon Austin Draft Pick A Look at the Explosive Wide Receiver

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile

Tavon Austin emerged as a dynamic playmaker during his collegiate career at West Virginia University, captivating scouts and analysts with his electrifying speed, agility, and versatility. His electrifying performances on the field made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.

College Career and Statistics

Austin’s collegiate career at West Virginia was marked by exceptional speed and playmaking ability. He quickly established himself as a game-changer, showcasing his talent as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist.

• In his junior year, he caught 85 passes for 1,185 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning All-American honors and the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s top receiver.
• He also excelled as a return specialist, setting a single-season record for punt return touchdowns with four.
• He finished his career with 2,874 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns, solidifying his place as one of the most dynamic offensive players in West Virginia history.

Strengths as a Prospect

Tavon Austin’s combination of speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

• He possessed exceptional speed, clocking a 4.25-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, demonstrating his ability to outrun defenders.
• 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.
• His versatility added to his appeal, as he could line up at wide receiver, running back, or returner, giving offenses multiple options.

Weaknesses as a Prospect

Despite his impressive talent, Austin also had some weaknesses that raised concerns among NFL scouts.

• His size, standing at 5’8″ and weighing 174 pounds, raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
• Durability was another concern, as he had a history of minor injuries in college.
• Translating his success from the college game to the NFL was also a question mark, as the level of competition and physicality was significantly higher.

Comparison to Other Prospects

Tavon Austin’s draft profile was often compared to other dynamic wide receivers and return specialists drafted in the same year, such as DeAndre Hopkins and Cordarrelle Patterson.

• Hopkins, a big and physical receiver from Clemson, was considered a more polished route runner and a more reliable target.
• Patterson, a speedster from Tennessee, was known for his explosive playmaking ability as a return specialist and wide receiver.

The St. Louis Rams’ Draft Strategy: Tavon Austin Draft Pick

The 2013 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for the St. Louis Rams, who were looking to rebuild after a period of mediocrity. Their draft strategy was driven by a desire to inject talent and athleticism into their roster, particularly on offense.

The Rams entered the draft with a clear need for a playmaking wide receiver, a position they had struggled to fill in recent years. They also sought to improve their offensive line and add depth at other positions. Their overall goal was to build a young, dynamic team capable of competing in the NFC West.

Tavon Austin’s Selection

The Rams’ decision to select Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick was a bold one, but it reflected their commitment to building a high-powered offense. Austin was a highly-touted prospect coming out of West Virginia, known for his explosive speed and versatility. The Rams saw him as a game-changer who could create big plays both as a receiver and a running back. His ability to stretch the field and make defenders miss was seen as a perfect complement to quarterback Sam Bradford, who was entering his fourth season.

Comparison to Previous Drafts

The Rams’ draft strategy in 2013 was a departure from their previous drafts, which had often focused on filling immediate needs with veteran players. In 2013, they opted to invest in young talent with high upside, even if it meant taking a risk on players with limited experience. This shift in strategy was a sign of the Rams’ commitment to building a sustainable franchise, rather than simply trying to win in the short term.

Impact on Team Performance, Tavon austin draft pick

The impact of the Rams’ draft strategy in 2013 was mixed. While Austin did show flashes of brilliance, he never quite lived up to the expectations that surrounded him. He struggled with injuries and inconsistency, and his impact on the team’s overall performance was limited. The Rams’ offense remained inconsistent, and they failed to make the playoffs in 2013. However, the draft did provide them with several key pieces that would eventually contribute to their success in the years that followed.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career

Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was a captivating blend of electrifying potential and frustrating inconsistency. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, Austin’s speed and agility promised a game-changing impact. While he showcased glimpses of brilliance, his career was marked by a combination of injuries, a shifting offensive landscape, and a struggle to find a consistent role.

Tavon Austin’s Time with the Rams

Austin’s initial years with the Rams were a whirlwind of excitement and uncertainty. He was primarily utilized as a wide receiver, returning kicks, and running gadget plays, showcasing his versatility. His speed and agility made him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.

Austin’s Statistics with the Rams

• Austin played five seasons with the Rams, from 2013 to 2017.
• He totaled 2,359 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns on 215 receptions.
• Austin’s best season came in 2015, where he caught 58 passes for 514 yards and 4 touchdowns.
• He also excelled as a return specialist, averaging 25.4 yards per kick return and 10.6 yards per punt return.
• Austin returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and one punt return for a touchdown during his time with the Rams.

Austin’s Impact on the Rams Offense

Austin’s impact on the Rams’ offense was multifaceted. He provided a dynamic element, stretching the field and creating mismatches for opposing defenses. His ability to take a short pass or a handoff and turn it into a big play made him a valuable weapon in the Rams’ offensive arsenal.

Challenges Faced by Austin

Austin’s career with the Rams was not without its challenges. He struggled with injuries, including a high ankle sprain in 2014 and a broken foot in 2016, limiting his ability to consistently contribute. He also faced challenges adapting to the Rams’ evolving offensive schemes under different coaches. While his speed and elusiveness were undeniable, he lacked the size and route-running precision to consistently dominate as a traditional wide receiver.

Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his exceptional speed and agility. Despite his draft position, his career path took a few unexpected turns. After a few seasons with the Rams, he found himself with the Green Bay Packers, where he played a crucial role in the return game.

While his time in Green Bay was relatively brief, it can be viewed in the context of his overall career journey, as detailed in this article on tavon austin packers. Ultimately, his draft status did not fully translate to sustained success, but he made significant contributions to several teams throughout his career.

Tavon Austin’s selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft marked a significant moment for the St. Louis Rams. While his speed and agility were undeniable assets, his ability to translate those talents into consistent production remained a question.

To fully understand his impact on the league, it’s essential to consider his career trajectory, which is intricately tied to his tavon austin age and the evolving nature of the game. Ultimately, his draft selection reflected a gamble on his potential, a gamble that ultimately played out in a way that neither the Rams nor Austin could have fully anticipated.