Tavon Austin’s College Career and Draft Stock
Tavon Austin’s college career at West Virginia University was a whirlwind of electrifying speed, dynamic playmaking, and record-breaking performances. His impact on the Mountaineers’ offense was undeniable, and his exceptional abilities garnered significant attention from NFL scouts, propelling him into the conversation as a potential first-round draft pick.
Tavon Austin’s Performance at West Virginia University
Austin’s talent and versatility were on full display throughout his three seasons at West Virginia. His explosiveness as a receiver, coupled with his prowess as a return specialist, made him a constant threat on the field. He showcased his ability to create big plays, consistently turning short passes into long gains and leaving defenders in his wake.
Austin’s most notable statistical achievements include:
- Total receiving yards: 3,289 yards (ranked 3rd in West Virginia history)
- Receiving touchdowns: 34 touchdowns (ranked 2nd in West Virginia history)
- Touchdowns from scrimmage: 51 touchdowns (ranked 1st in West Virginia history)
- Kickoff return touchdowns: 4 touchdowns (tied for 1st in West Virginia history)
Tavon Austin’s Versatility and Draft Stock
Austin’s versatility as both a receiver and a returner significantly impacted his draft stock. NFL teams were intrigued by his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. This versatility made him a valuable asset, as teams saw the potential for him to make an immediate impact in both the offensive and special teams units.
Factors Contributing to Austin’s First-Round Potential, Tavon austin draft
Several factors contributed to Austin being considered a potential first-round pick:
- Exceptional speed and agility: Austin’s lightning-fast speed and agility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He possessed the ability to break away from tackles and create big plays with his dynamic elusiveness.
- Playmaking ability: Austin was a true playmaker, capable of turning any play into a potential touchdown. His instincts and awareness allowed him to find open spaces and make crucial catches, consistently creating scoring opportunities for his team.
- Return game prowess: Austin’s electrifying returns were a constant threat to opposing teams. His ability to return kicks and punts for touchdowns showcased his explosive speed and exceptional vision, making him a game-changer in the special teams unit.
- High-profile college career: Austin’s impressive performances at West Virginia, including his numerous records and accolades, solidified his status as a top prospect in the upcoming draft. His consistency and ability to deliver on the big stage caught the attention of NFL scouts, further enhancing his draft stock.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Draft Selection and Initial Expectations: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin’s electrifying speed and agility made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft. His dynamic playmaking ability, particularly as a return specialist, led to significant hype surrounding his potential at the professional level. This anticipation, coupled with his impressive college career, played a pivotal role in shaping his draft selection and the expectations that followed.
The St. Louis Rams, seeking to inject dynamism into their offense, made a bold move by selecting Austin with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. This selection signaled their belief in Austin’s potential to be a game-changer, despite some concerns about his size and his ability to translate his college success to the NFL.
Tavon Austin’s Expected Role and Impact
The Rams envisioned Austin as a versatile weapon capable of making an immediate impact in multiple facets of the game. His exceptional speed and agility were seen as assets in both the running and passing game, while his return skills were expected to provide an explosive element to the special teams.
The Rams anticipated Austin to become a dynamic playmaker, a threat to opposing defenses from various positions. His versatility was expected to create matchup problems for opposing defenses, opening up opportunities for other offensive players. The Rams hoped Austin’s electrifying presence would invigorate their offense and contribute to their overall success.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career Trajectory and Impact
Tavon Austin’s NFL career, while showcasing glimpses of his electrifying talent, ultimately fell short of the lofty expectations that accompanied his selection as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. Despite his undeniable speed and agility, Austin faced a series of challenges that hindered his ability to consistently contribute at a high level.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Performance and Contributions
Austin’s NFL journey began with the St. Louis Rams, where he initially struggled to find a defined role within the offense. While his explosiveness on special teams was undeniable, his impact as a receiver and offensive weapon remained inconsistent. His most productive season came in 2015, when he recorded 58 receptions for 514 yards and four touchdowns, demonstrating his potential as a dynamic playmaker.
- St. Louis Rams (2013-2016): Austin’s time with the Rams was marked by flashes of brilliance but also by inconsistency. He often struggled to create separation against NFL-caliber cornerbacks, and his route running lacked polish.
- Dallas Cowboys (2017): After his time with the Rams, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he hoped to revitalize his career. However, he saw limited action in Dallas, failing to make a significant impact.
- San Francisco 49ers (2018): Austin signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, but his time there was short-lived. He was released during training camp.
- Buffalo Bills (2018): After being released by the 49ers, Austin was picked up by the Buffalo Bills, where he saw limited playing time and ultimately ended his NFL career.
Obstacles to Austin’s NFL Success
Despite his undeniable athleticism, Austin faced a number of obstacles that hampered his NFL career.
- Limited Size and Strength: Austin’s diminutive size (5’8″, 174 lbs) made it challenging for him to consistently win battles against bigger and stronger NFL defenders, particularly in contested catch situations.
- Route Running Inconsistency: Austin’s route running lacked the polish and precision needed to consistently create separation from NFL-caliber cornerbacks. His tendency to rely on his speed and athleticism often left him vulnerable to tighter coverage.
- Durability Concerns: Throughout his career, Austin struggled to stay healthy, dealing with various injuries that limited his availability. This lack of durability prevented him from building consistency and developing a strong rapport with quarterbacks.
Factors Contributing to Austin’s Unfulfilled Potential
Several factors contributed to Austin’s inability to fully live up to his pre-draft expectations.
- Lack of a Clear Role: Austin often struggled to find a consistent role within offenses, bouncing between wide receiver, running back, and return specialist. This lack of clarity and stability hindered his development and limited his impact.
- Offensive Scheme Limitations: Some argue that Austin was not utilized effectively in certain offensive schemes, which failed to capitalize on his unique skill set. His explosiveness and speed could have been maximized in a system that emphasized quick-strike plays and mismatches.
- Competition and Depth at Wide Receiver: The NFL is a highly competitive league, and the wide receiver position is often stacked with talented players. Austin faced stiff competition for playing time and opportunities, which limited his overall impact.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s draft stock was high due to his blazing speed and agility, making him a hot commodity for teams looking for a dynamic offensive weapon. His performance against Oklahoma, a game that showcased his electrifying abilities, tavon austin vs oklahoma , further solidified his reputation as a game-changer.
The draft day excitement surrounding Austin was palpable, and his journey in the NFL was eagerly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.
Tavon Austin was a highly-touted prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his blazing speed and dynamic playmaking ability. His incredible athleticism led to him being selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams. To see how his speed translated to the professional level, you can check out his career stats here.
Despite his initial promise, Austin’s NFL career didn’t quite live up to expectations, but his electrifying draft day selection remains a highlight for many football fans.
