Tavon Austin’s College Career and Draft Prospects: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin was a dynamic and electrifying player during his time at West Virginia University, showcasing exceptional speed, agility, and versatility that made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying playmaking ability and unique skillset made him a fascinating prospect for NFL teams.
Tavon Austin’s College Performance, Tavon austin draft
Austin’s college career at West Virginia was marked by numerous impressive performances and accolades. He was a dynamic playmaker who excelled in multiple roles.
- He finished his collegiate career with 2,886 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns on 224 receptions.
- He also contributed significantly on the ground, rushing for 1,334 yards and 17 touchdowns on 243 carries.
- In 2012, he earned the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, awarded annually to the nation’s top receiver.
- He was also named a unanimous All-American and was selected to the Big 12 Conference’s first team.
Tavon Austin’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin’s athleticism and versatility were his greatest assets, making him a valuable offensive weapon.
- His exceptional speed and agility allowed him to create separation from defenders and make big plays in the open field.
- He possessed excellent hands and route-running ability, making him a threat both as a receiver and a running back.
- His versatility allowed him to be used in various offensive schemes, making him a difficult player to defend.
However, Austin’s size and durability raised some concerns among NFL scouts.
- At 5’8″ and 179 pounds, he was considered undersized for a wide receiver, which raised questions about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL.
- He had a history of minor injuries in college, which further added to concerns about his durability.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Comparisons
Austin’s skillset was compared to other successful players in the NFL with similar profiles.
- T.Y. Hilton: Like Austin, Hilton was a smaller receiver with exceptional speed and agility. He has become a star wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts, known for his ability to stretch the field and make big plays.
- Darren Sproles: Sproles, a versatile offensive weapon, was another player who was compared to Austin. Sproles’s speed, agility, and ability to make plays in both the running and passing game made him a valuable asset for several NFL teams.
Austin’s combination of speed, agility, and versatility made him a highly intriguing prospect for NFL teams. However, concerns about his size and durability remained, which could impact his long-term success in the league.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Draft Selection and Early Career
The St. Louis Rams, in need of a dynamic playmaker, made a bold decision in the 2013 NFL Draft by selecting Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick. Austin, known for his electrifying speed and agility, was seen as a potential game-changer who could add a new dimension to their offense.
Austin’s Early Impact on the Rams
Austin’s arrival in St. Louis generated significant excitement among Rams fans. His ability to create big plays in the open field and his versatility as a receiver, running back, and return specialist made him a unique and intriguing offensive weapon. He quickly made his presence felt in the NFL, showcasing his explosiveness and playmaking abilities.
- In his rookie season, Austin recorded 40 receptions for 418 yards and one touchdown, along with 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He also returned kicks for an average of 27.1 yards per return, including a 98-yard touchdown return against the Arizona Cardinals.
- Despite his impressive highlights, Austin struggled with consistency and faced challenges adapting to the NFL’s physicality and complexity. His small stature and limited route running ability made him susceptible to physical coverage, and he sometimes struggled to make the most of his opportunities.
Factors Contributing to Austin’s Inconsistent Performance
Austin’s inability to fully live up to his draft expectations can be attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Limited Role and Utilization: Austin’s role in the Rams’ offense was often limited, and he was not always used in ways that maximized his skill set. While he was a threat in the open field, he was not consistently targeted as a deep threat, and his opportunities as a runner were often sporadic.
- Lack of Consistency: Austin’s explosiveness and playmaking ability were undeniable, but he struggled with consistency, making it difficult for him to establish himself as a reliable offensive weapon. His small stature and limited route running ability made him susceptible to physical coverage, and he sometimes struggled to make the most of his opportunities.
- Injuries: Injuries also played a role in Austin’s inconsistent performance. He missed several games during his early years in St. Louis, which disrupted his momentum and limited his ability to develop a consistent rhythm.
Tavon Austin’s Later Career and Legacy
After his initial success with the Rams, Tavon Austin’s NFL journey took him through several more teams, each stop offering a different perspective on his unique skillset. His time with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers presented him with opportunities to contribute in various ways, showcasing his versatility but ultimately failing to replicate the initial excitement of his early years.
Austin’s Post-Rams Journey
Following his departure from the Rams, Austin signed with the Dallas Cowboys in 2017. While he initially contributed as a return specialist and slot receiver, injuries limited his impact. He played only one season in Dallas before joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2018. In San Francisco, Austin was primarily used as a returner, displaying his explosiveness on special teams. However, his offensive role was minimal, and he was released after just one season.
Tavon Austin’s Impact on the NFL
Austin’s NFL career was a blend of both promise and frustration. He emerged as a dynamic weapon with the Rams, showcasing his exceptional speed and agility as a receiver and returner. His ability to create big plays on offense and special teams made him a threat for any defense.
“Tavon Austin was one of the most exciting players in the NFL when he was at his best. He could take it to the house from anywhere on the field.” – Former Rams coach Jeff Fisher
While his overall production fell short of initial expectations, Austin’s impact on the game was undeniable. He was a game-changer when healthy and capable of transforming the momentum of a game with a single play. His unique skillset and athleticism made him a valuable asset for any team, but his inconsistency and injury concerns ultimately limited his long-term success.
Austin’s Legacy in the NFL
Despite his later career struggles, Tavon Austin’s impact on the NFL is significant. He is remembered as one of the most electrifying players of his era, leaving a lasting impression with his explosive speed and game-breaking abilities.
“Tavon Austin was a special player. He had a unique skillset that made him a threat to score every time he touched the ball.” – Former Rams teammate Jared Cook
While his career didn’t reach the heights initially projected, Austin’s legacy as a dynamic playmaker remains intact. He serves as a reminder of the importance of speed and agility in the modern NFL, and his impact on the game is undeniable.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s draft was a pivotal moment for his career, as he was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. His electrifying speed and agility were showcased throughout his college career, and fans can revisit those highlights set to music in tavon austin highlights song.
This song serves as a reminder of the excitement and potential he brought to the NFL, a potential that continues to be explored in his journey as a professional athlete.
Tavon Austin’s draft was a captivating event, marked by anticipation for his dynamic skillset. The question on everyone’s mind was where he would land, and his selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the St.
Louis Rams solidified his entry into the professional league. To learn more about his journey through the draft and his subsequent NFL career, you can visit tavon austin draft pick for a comprehensive look. Austin’s draft was a defining moment in his career, setting the stage for his NFL adventure.