Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a dynamic and electrifying playmaker who left a lasting impact on the West Virginia Mountaineers football program. His speed, agility, and versatility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he was a legitimate threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Tavon Austin’s College Football Career at West Virginia University
Tavon Austin’s college career at West Virginia University was a whirlwind of excitement and explosive plays. He quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the country, showcasing his speed, agility, and playmaking ability.
- Austin’s most notable season came in 2012, when he became the first player in NCAA history to record over 1,000 receiving yards, 1,000 rushing yards, and 10 touchdowns in a single season. His versatility was on full display, as he lined up as a wide receiver, running back, and even a wildcat quarterback.
- He earned numerous accolades for his exceptional performances, including the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver, the Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football, and first-team All-American honors.
- He finished his career with 2,888 receiving yards, 1,143 rushing yards, and 31 touchdowns. His impressive statistics, coupled with his electrifying playmaking ability, made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Tavon Austin’s Athleticism and Skill Set
Tavon Austin’s athleticism and skill set were truly remarkable. His speed, agility, and explosiveness made him a game-changer.
- He was known for his blazing speed, clocking a 4.25-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing his ability to outrun defenders with ease.
- His agility and elusiveness were equally impressive, as he could make defenders miss in the open field with his quick cuts and sudden changes of direction.
- Austin possessed exceptional route-running ability, allowing him to create separation from defenders and get open for passes. He had a knack for finding holes in the defense and making big plays after the catch.
- His versatility extended beyond the offensive side of the ball, as he was also a dangerous return specialist. He returned kicks and punts with explosive speed and the ability to take it to the house.
Tavon Austin’s Pre-Draft Evaluation
Tavon Austin’s pre-draft evaluation was a mix of excitement and concerns. While his athleticism and skill set were undeniable, his size and durability raised questions.
- His small stature (5’8″, 179 pounds) raised concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NFL. Some scouts worried that he would struggle against bigger and stronger defenders.
- His durability was also a concern, as he had suffered some injuries in college. Teams were cautious about his ability to stay healthy and play a full season in the NFL.
- Despite these concerns, his talent and potential were undeniable. Many teams saw him as a dynamic playmaker who could add a spark to their offense. His speed and elusiveness could be a nightmare for defenses, and his versatility made him a valuable asset in multiple offensive roles.
The 2013 NFL Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a wild ride, full of surprises and trades that shook up the league. Teams were eager to find their next franchise quarterbacks, dominant defensive players, and game-changing offensive weapons. The draft was held on April 25-27, 2013, in New York City.
Key Players Selected
The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, with several players who went on to have successful careers in the NFL. Here are some of the notable players selected in the first round:
- Eric Fisher, OT, Kansas City Chiefs (No. 1 overall): Fisher was the first overall pick and was expected to be a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offensive line. He lived up to the hype, becoming a Pro Bowler and helping the Chiefs reach the Super Bowl.
- Luke Joeckel, OT, Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 2 overall): Joeckel was another top offensive tackle prospect who was expected to be a franchise cornerstone. Unfortunately, his career was plagued by injuries, and he never quite lived up to his potential.
- Dion Jordan, DE, Miami Dolphins (No. 3 overall): Jordan was a highly touted defensive end prospect with exceptional athleticism. He struggled with injuries and off-field issues, and his career never took off.
- Lane Johnson, OT, Philadelphia Eagles (No. 4 overall): Johnson was a dominant offensive tackle who quickly became a key piece of the Eagles’ offensive line. He was a Pro Bowler and helped the Eagles win Super Bowl LII.
- Dee Milliner, CB, New York Jets (No. 9 overall): Milliner was a talented cornerback who was expected to be a shutdown corner for the Jets. He struggled with injuries and never quite lived up to the hype.
- Sharrif Floyd, DT, Minnesota Vikings (No. 23 overall): Floyd was a powerful defensive tackle who was a key part of the Vikings’ defense. He suffered a career-ending injury in 2016.
- Barkevious Mingo, OLB, Cleveland Browns (No. 6 overall): Mingo was a physically gifted linebacker who was expected to be a force on the Browns’ defense. He struggled with consistency and was traded to the New England Patriots after just three seasons.
- Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis Rams (No. 8 overall): Austin was a dynamic and explosive wide receiver who was expected to be a game-changer for the Rams. He had a few good seasons but never quite reached his full potential.
Notable Trades, Tavon austin draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was filled with several notable trades that reshaped the league’s landscape.
- The Kansas City Chiefs traded their No. 1 overall pick to the Cleveland Browns for a package of picks that included the No. 4 overall pick, which they used to select Lane Johnson. The Browns used the No. 1 pick to select quarterback, Johnny Manziel.
- The Miami Dolphins traded their No. 12 overall pick to the Oakland Raiders for the No. 3 overall pick, which they used to select Dion Jordan. The Raiders used the No. 12 pick to select defensive end, Khalil Mack.
The St. Louis Rams and Tavon Austin
The St. Louis Rams were in desperate need of a game-changing offensive weapon, and they believed that Tavon Austin was the answer. They selected him with the eighth overall pick, hoping that he would be the next great receiver in the NFL. The Rams’ draft strategy was focused on adding explosive playmakers to their offense, and Austin fit that mold perfectly.
“He’s a guy that we think can change the game. He’s a guy that can be a dynamic playmaker for us. He’s got a lot of talent, a lot of speed, a lot of quickness. He’s a guy that can do a lot of things for us.” – Jeff Fisher, Rams Head Coach (2013)
Tavon Austin’s Draft Position
Tavon Austin’s draft position was a controversial one, with many analysts questioning whether he was worth the eighth overall pick.
- Some analysts believed that Austin was a boom-or-bust prospect, and that his small size and lack of traditional receiver skills would limit his potential.
- Others argued that Austin’s exceptional speed and agility would make him a valuable weapon in the NFL.
In the end, the Rams decided to take a chance on Austin, and he had a few solid seasons in the NFL. However, he never quite lived up to the hype and struggled with injuries throughout his career.
Austin’s career trajectory was significantly different from other players selected around him in the 2013 NFL Draft. For example, Khalil Mack (selected by the Raiders at No. 5 overall) quickly became one of the best defensive players in the league, while Lane Johnson (selected by the Eagles at No. 4 overall) became a dominant offensive tackle. Austin’s career was a reminder that even the most highly touted prospects can struggle to make a significant impact in the NFL.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a rollercoaster ride filled with flashes of brilliance, frustrating inconsistency, and ultimately, a bittersweet ending. He was a dynamic playmaker with the potential to be a game-changer, but injuries and struggles with consistency hampered his overall impact.
Tavon Austin’s Career Highlights and Accomplishments
Austin’s NFL career was marked by electrifying plays that showcased his exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness. He was a dangerous weapon in the Rams’ offense, making big plays both as a receiver and a return specialist.
- Austin’s speed and agility made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, allowing him to make explosive plays and break tackles. He recorded a career total of 2,915 receiving yards, 17 receiving touchdowns, and 1,151 return yards.
- One of his most memorable moments came in 2014 when he returned a punt for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Austin’s return ability was a key factor in the Rams’ special teams success.
- He was a key part of the Rams’ offense during their resurgence under coach Jeff Fisher. Austin was a versatile weapon that could line up in the slot, out wide, or even in the backfield.
Challenges Faced by Tavon Austin
While Austin had moments of brilliance, he also faced significant challenges throughout his career. He struggled with consistency, battled injuries, and often found himself in offensive schemes that didn’t fully utilize his skillset.
- Austin’s lack of size and strength made him vulnerable to bigger defenders, and he often struggled to make tough catches in traffic. He also faced challenges with dropped passes, which limited his overall effectiveness as a receiver.
- Austin suffered several injuries throughout his career, including a broken foot, a hamstring injury, and a concussion. These injuries hampered his ability to stay on the field and build consistency.
- Austin’s role in the offense often varied from team to team. He was utilized as a receiver, a return specialist, and even as a running back. This lack of a defined role may have contributed to his inconsistent production.
Factors Contributing to Tavon Austin’s Departure from the NFL
A combination of factors ultimately led to Austin’s departure from the NFL. His lack of consistent production, injury history, and the changing landscape of the NFL all played a role.
- Austin’s inconsistent production, combined with his injury history, made it difficult for him to secure a consistent role in the NFL. His lack of size and strength also limited his ability to be a dominant force at the receiver position.
- The NFL has become increasingly focused on speed and athleticism, but also on size and strength. This shift in the league’s priorities may have contributed to Austin’s struggles to find a consistent role.
- Austin’s departure from the NFL serves as a reminder that even the most talented players can face challenges in the league. It also highlights the importance of consistency, durability, and adapting to the evolving landscape of the NFL.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s draft was a whirlwind, everyone was hyped about his speed, but the dude was like a tiny rocket with a short fuse. He was a blast to watch, reminds me of miles austin , another small dude who could make big plays.
But hey, Austin’s draft was a gamble, and sometimes gambles pay off, sometimes they don’t, just like life, right?
Tavon Austin, the speedy wide receiver, was a hot commodity in the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying play at West Virginia made him a fan favorite, and many teams were eager to snag him. He eventually landed with the Rams, but his career path took an interesting turn when he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
You can check out his time with the Cowboys here , but it’s safe to say that his draft stock didn’t quite translate to consistent NFL success. Despite the ups and downs, Tavon Austin’s draft story remains a reminder that potential doesn’t always equal performance.