Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his explosive speed and versatility. His college career at West Virginia showcased his potential as a dynamic playmaker, but also raised questions about his size and role at the professional level. This analysis examines Austin’s collegiate performance, his impressive combine showing, and the factors that led to his selection as the eighth overall pick by the St. Louis Rams.
Tavon Austin’s College Career
Tavon Austin’s collegiate career at West Virginia was marked by electrifying performances and a reputation for big-play ability. His explosiveness as a runner and receiver made him a constant threat to opposing defenses. He finished his career with over 3,000 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the most prolific offensive weapons in college football.
- Strengths: Austin’s exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness were his most notable assets. He could break tackles with ease, making him a dangerous weapon in the open field. He was also a threat as a return specialist, possessing the ability to take kickoffs and punts to the house.
- Weaknesses: Despite his impressive skill set, Austin’s size (5’8″, 179 lbs) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. His small frame made him susceptible to bigger defenders, and some questioned his durability at the next level. There were also concerns about his route running and ability to consistently create separation against top-tier NFL cornerbacks.
Tavon Austin’s Combine Performance
At the 2013 NFL Combine, Austin showcased his exceptional athleticism, further bolstering his draft stock. His performance solidified his status as a potential first-round pick, generating excitement among NFL scouts and teams.
- 40-yard dash: 4.34 seconds (ranked 1st among wide receivers)
- Vertical jump: 39 inches (ranked 1st among wide receivers)
- Broad jump: 10’10” (ranked 2nd among wide receivers)
These impressive results demonstrated Austin’s explosiveness and athleticism, further validating his reputation as a dynamic playmaker.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Projections
Leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft, Austin’s draft projections varied depending on the analyst and the team’s specific needs. Some projected him as a top-five pick, while others placed him in the late first-round or early second-round range. The uncertainty surrounding his size and role in the NFL contributed to the wide range of projections.
“Austin’s a dynamic playmaker, but his size and lack of experience as a traditional wide receiver are concerns.” – NFL Draft Analyst
Tavon Austin’s Selection by the St. Louis Rams, Tavon austin draft pick
Despite the concerns about his size and role, the St. Louis Rams selected Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Rams were looking for a dynamic playmaker to complement their offense, and Austin’s explosiveness and versatility fit their offensive scheme perfectly. They believed his talent and potential outweighed his limitations, and they were willing to take a chance on a player with the potential to be a game-changer.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a mixed bag, marked by flashes of brilliance but ultimately failing to live up to the high expectations set for him as a first-round draft pick. Despite his impressive athleticism and skillset, he struggled to find consistency and a defined role within the Rams’ offense, leading to a relatively short and unremarkable NFL journey.
Performance with the St. Louis Rams
Austin’s time with the St. Louis Rams was characterized by inconsistent production and a lack of a clear identity within the offense. While he showcased his explosive playmaking ability on occasion, he was unable to sustain his performance throughout his tenure. His receiving stats were underwhelming, failing to meet the expectations of a top draft pick. His rushing yards, while demonstrating his versatility, were not significant enough to establish him as a reliable running back.
Receiving Statistics
Austin’s receiving statistics were underwhelming, falling short of the expectations for a first-round draft pick. He recorded 2,412 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in six seasons with the Rams, averaging just 402 receiving yards per season. His best season came in 2015, when he caught 58 passes for 653 yards and three touchdowns.
Rushing Statistics
Austin’s rushing stats, while not substantial, showcased his versatility as a player. He rushed for 1,012 yards and five touchdowns in six seasons, averaging 169 rushing yards per season. His best season in terms of rushing yards came in 2014, when he ran for 343 yards and one touchdown.
Role in the Rams’ Offense
Austin’s role in the Rams’ offense was inconsistent and varied under different coaches. He was initially envisioned as a dynamic playmaker who could create big plays as a receiver and runner. However, his lack of consistency and inability to develop into a reliable pass-catching option led to a diminishing role in the offense.
Challenges Faced
Austin faced several challenges throughout his NFL career, which significantly impacted his overall performance.
- Inconsistent Play: Austin’s biggest challenge was his inconsistency. He showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to maintain a high level of play on a consistent basis. This lack of consistency led to him being in and out of the lineup and limited his opportunities to showcase his skills.
- Limited Role in the Offense: Austin’s role in the Rams’ offense was often undefined and limited. He was utilized in a variety of ways, but he never established himself as a primary target or a key component of the offensive scheme. This lack of a defined role made it difficult for him to develop into a consistent and reliable player.
- Injuries: Injuries also played a significant role in Austin’s career. He missed several games due to various injuries, including a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and a broken foot. These injuries disrupted his progress and limited his opportunities to perform at his best.
Tavon Austin’s Legacy
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was marked by flashes of brilliance and unreal athleticism but ultimately fell short of the lofty expectations that accompanied his selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. While he showcased electrifying speed and playmaking ability, injuries and inconsistent production hindered his path to becoming a truly impactful player. Despite his challenges, Austin’s legacy remains as a testament to the unique talent he possessed and the impact he had on the game during his time in the league.
Tavon Austin’s Impact on the NFL
Austin’s impact on the NFL can be categorized into two key areas: his explosiveness as a return specialist and his contributions as a versatile offensive weapon.
- Return Specialist: Austin’s exceptional speed and agility made him a threat every time he touched the ball on returns. He was a dynamic kick returner, consistently breaking off big plays and setting up his team’s offense with good field position. His ability to turn a short return into a long gain or a touchdown was a significant asset for the Rams and the Browns. His career highlights include a 103-yard kickoff return touchdown in 2014 and a 98-yard punt return touchdown in 2015.
- Versatile Offensive Weapon: While his impact as a receiver was inconsistent, Austin’s speed and elusiveness made him a dangerous weapon in the Rams’ offense. He was used in a variety of roles, including slot receiver, running back, and even quarterback. His ability to create mismatches and exploit open space was a challenge for opposing defenses. In 2014, he recorded 58 receptions for 473 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a reliable offensive threat.
Tavon Austin’s Career Compared to Other Players Drafted in the Same Round
When comparing Tavon Austin’s career to other players drafted in the same round (2013), it’s evident that he faced a different trajectory than many of his peers. While several players from that draft class, including Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, and DeAndre Hopkins, have established themselves as successful NFL players, Austin’s career was marked by inconsistency and injuries.
| Player | Team | Draft Position | Years in NFL | Pro Bowls | All-Pro Selections |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Joeckel | Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks | 2nd Overall | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Eric Fisher | Kansas City Chiefs | 1st Overall | 9 | 1 | 0 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | Houston Texans, Arizona Cardinals | 27th Overall | 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Tavon Austin | St. Louis Rams, Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns | 8th Overall | 7 | 0 | 0 |
Tavon Austin’s Career Statistics and Achievements
Austin’s career statistics and achievements highlight his unique skillset and the potential he possessed, but also underscore the inconsistencies that plagued his time in the NFL.
| Year | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns | Kickoff Return Touchdowns | Punt Return Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | St. Louis Rams | 40 | 418 | 2 | 34 | 162 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | St. Louis Rams | 58 | 473 | 4 | 43 | 184 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2015 | St. Louis Rams | 21 | 174 | 1 | 22 | 116 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2016 | Los Angeles Rams | 22 | 229 | 1 | 16 | 85 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | Dallas Cowboys | 13 | 106 | 1 | 4 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | Cleveland Browns | 20 | 151 | 1 | 6 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career Totals | 194 | 1551 | 10 | 147 | 751 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated draft pick, known for his electrifying speed and agility. After being selected by the St. Louis Rams, his journey took him to the tavon austin packers where he hoped to reignite his career.
Despite his initial promise, Austin’s draft pick status ultimately fell short of expectations, highlighting the challenges of translating college success to the NFL.
Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability. The St. Louis Rams selected him with the eighth overall pick, hoping he would inject a dynamic element into their offense.
While his impact on the field may not have fully lived up to the hype, you can check out the details of his NFL career by exploring tavon austin nfl stats , which provide a comprehensive look at his performance over the years.
Despite facing some challenges in his NFL journey, Austin’s selection as a top-ten pick remains a testament to his immense potential and the excitement he generated as a draft prospect.
