Tavon Austins Draft Pick A Look Back

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile

Tavon Austin was a highly anticipated prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and versatility. Scouting reports painted a picture of a player with immense potential, but also acknowledged areas for improvement.

Pre-Draft Scouting Report

Pre-draft scouting reports on Tavon Austin highlighted his exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability. He was widely considered one of the fastest players in the draft, with a remarkable ability to create big plays in the open field. His quickness and agility allowed him to make defenders miss with ease, and he possessed the explosiveness to break away for long gains. However, some scouts expressed concerns about his size and durability, questioning his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL game. Others noted his limited route running and catching skills, suggesting that he needed to develop more consistency in those areas.

Consensus Ranking

Tavon Austin was generally ranked as a first-round talent by most draft analysts and experts. He was often projected to be selected somewhere between the mid-teens and the late 20s, depending on the team’s needs and the overall strength of the draft class. His combination of speed, agility, and playmaking ability made him an intriguing prospect, but concerns about his size and skill set led to some variation in his draft position projections.

Comparison to Other Players

Tavon Austin’s athleticism and skill set were often compared to other dynamic playmakers drafted in the same year, such as DeAndre Hopkins and Cordarrelle Patterson. Like Austin, Hopkins and Patterson were considered to be exceptional athletes with the potential to make a significant impact in the NFL. However, each player possessed unique strengths and weaknesses. Hopkins was known for his reliable hands and route running, while Patterson was lauded for his exceptional speed and big-play ability. Austin’s versatility, combining both speed and agility, made him a unique talent in the draft class.

College Statistics and Key Performances

Tavon Austin’s college statistics at West Virginia showcased his exceptional playmaking ability. In his senior season, he rushed for 1,722 yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging a remarkable 7.6 yards per carry. He also caught 72 passes for 1,185 yards and eight touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility as a receiver and runner. One of his most memorable performances came against Baylor in 2012, where he recorded 344 all-purpose yards, including a 91-yard touchdown run. His ability to create big plays and make defenders miss was evident throughout his college career.

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

The St. Louis Rams’ selection of Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft was a bold move, reflecting their desire to inject explosive playmaking ability into their offense. The Rams, under new head coach Jeff Fisher, were in the midst of a rebuild, aiming to establish a more dynamic and balanced attack. Austin’s unique skill set and potential to revolutionize their offensive scheme made him an attractive prospect.

The Rams’ Draft Strategy and Austin’s Role

The Rams’ draft strategy in 2013 focused on addressing key areas of need, particularly on offense. They aimed to acquire players who could create big plays and enhance their offensive firepower. Tavon Austin fit perfectly into this strategy, as his speed, agility, and versatility presented a unique opportunity to add a dynamic element to their offense. The Rams envisioned Austin as a multi-faceted weapon, capable of playing wide receiver, running back, and even returning kicks, allowing them to create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses.

The Rams’ Needs and Austin’s Contributions

The Rams were in need of a playmaker who could stretch the field and create explosive plays. Their offense lacked a true deep threat, and their running game was inconsistent. Tavon Austin addressed both of these needs. His speed and elusiveness allowed him to create big plays as a receiver and returner, while his ability to run the ball effectively added another dimension to their offensive scheme.

The Rams’ Expectations for Austin, Tavon austin draft pick

The Rams had high expectations for Tavon Austin, believing he could become a game-changer and a cornerstone of their offense. They expected him to provide a spark and create opportunities for other players, leading to a more balanced and explosive attack. They envisioned him as a dynamic weapon who could create mismatches and exploit defensive weaknesses, contributing significantly to their offensive success.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career

Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a rollercoaster ride marked by flashes of brilliance, persistent injuries, and a constant struggle to find a consistent role. Despite his electrifying speed and agility, his journey was often hampered by setbacks, ultimately leaving him with a legacy that fell short of the expectations placed upon him.

Tavon Austin’s Career Timeline

Tavon Austin’s NFL journey was a blend of high hopes and frustrating realities. His career can be divided into distinct phases, each marked by specific challenges and achievements.

• 2013-2016: St. Louis Rams: Drafted eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, Austin began his career with the Rams, where he showcased his unique skillset as a versatile offensive weapon. He was primarily used as a slot receiver, a running back, and a return specialist. In his rookie season, he became the first player in NFL history to have a receiving touchdown, a rushing touchdown, and a punt return touchdown in the same game. However, Austin’s early promise was overshadowed by a string of injuries, including a high ankle sprain and a broken foot, which limited his playing time and prevented him from fully establishing himself.
• 2017-2018: Dallas Cowboys: In 2017, Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he played a limited role as a receiver and a return specialist. He struggled to find his footing in a new offense and was eventually released after two seasons.
• 2019: San Francisco 49ers: After a brief stint with the 49ers in 2019, Austin’s NFL career came to an end. He was released by the 49ers in November 2019, marking the conclusion of his six-year professional journey.

Tavon Austin’s Injuries

Tavon Austin’s career was significantly impacted by injuries, which hindered his ability to reach his full potential and achieve sustained success. His recurring ankle and foot injuries, in particular, became a persistent problem, often forcing him to miss games and disrupting his rhythm.

• 2014: Austin suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3, which sidelined him for several weeks.
• 2015: He fractured his foot in Week 4, leading to another lengthy absence.
• 2016: Austin continued to battle ankle and foot injuries, further limiting his playing time and effectiveness.

Tavon Austin’s Performance Comparison

Tavon Austin’s performance varied significantly between his time with the Rams and his later seasons with other teams. While he initially showcased his explosive playmaking ability in St. Louis, his production declined in Dallas and San Francisco, largely due to a combination of injuries and a lack of consistent opportunities.

• St. Louis Rams: Austin’s most productive years were with the Rams, where he had his highest receiving and rushing yard totals. His ability to create big plays as a receiver and a return specialist was evident during his time in St. Louis.
• Dallas Cowboys: Austin’s role with the Cowboys was more limited, and his production declined. He struggled to adapt to a new offense and was not as impactful as he had been in St. Louis.
• San Francisco 49ers: Austin’s stint with the 49ers was short-lived and unproductive. He was released after just a few games, failing to make a significant contribution to the team.

Tavon Austin’s Contributions

Despite the challenges he faced, Tavon Austin remained a valuable asset to his teams, both on the field and in the locker room. His exceptional speed and agility made him a threat on every play, and his positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm inspired his teammates.

• On the Field: Austin’s ability to create big plays and his versatility as a receiver, running back, and return specialist made him a dangerous weapon for his teams. He was a constant threat to score from anywhere on the field.
• In the Locker Room: Austin was known for his positive attitude and his ability to uplift his teammates. He was a leader in the locker room, and his infectious enthusiasm helped create a positive team culture.

Tavon austin draft pick – Remember when the Rams took Tavon Austin with the eighth pick in the 2013 draft? Yeah, that was a head-scratcher. Some thought he’d be the next big thing, a lightning bolt on the field. Turns out, he was more like a lightning bug, flickering in and out of games.

He even had a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys , but it was like a meteor shower – quick, bright, and then poof, gone. Maybe the draft gods were just trying to teach us that speed isn’t everything.

Remember Tavon Austin, the guy drafted by the Rams with the eighth overall pick? Yeah, that was a wild one. I mean, you had to be a little crazy to take a guy with his size at that spot, right?

But hey, at least he wasn’t the only Austin with a confusing draft pick. Check out miles austin , who was drafted in the fourth round despite being a top prospect. Maybe those Austins just had a knack for defying expectations, even if they couldn’t quite defy gravity.