Tavon Austin’s College Career and Draft Stock
Tavon Austin, a dynamic and electrifying player, left an indelible mark on West Virginia University’s football program. His exceptional speed, agility, and versatility made him a threat on both offense and special teams, ultimately propelling him to the top of the 2013 NFL Draft.
Tavon Austin’s College Career at West Virginia
Austin’s college career was a testament to his extraordinary talent. He established himself as a game-changer for the Mountaineers, showcasing his ability to break tackles, outrun defenders, and make game-changing plays.
Key Statistics and Awards
| Year | Games | Rec. | Yards | TDs | Avg. | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 13 | 27 | 347 | 2 | 12.9 | Big 12 All-Freshman Team |
| 2011 | 13 | 60 | 1,185 | 8 | 19.8 | First-team All-Big 12 |
| 2012 | 13 | 88 | 1,289 | 11 | 14.6 | First-team All-Big 12 Biletnikoff Award Finalist Walter Camp Award Finalist |
Strengths and Weaknesses
Austin’s strengths as a college football player were undeniable. He possessed a unique combination of speed, agility, and explosiveness, making him a constant threat to opposing defenses. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and his knack for finding the end zone were hallmarks of his game.
However, Austin also had some weaknesses that needed to be addressed at the next level. His relatively small stature and lack of consistent route-running precision were concerns for NFL scouts.
Tavon Austin’s Draft Stock
Austin’s draft stock was a topic of much discussion leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft. His exceptional athleticism and big-play potential made him a highly sought-after prospect.
Draft Stock Compared to Other Wide Receivers
Austin’s draft stock was comparable to other highly-touted wide receivers in his class, including:
- DeAndre Hopkins (Texas A&M): Hopkins was a physical and talented receiver with a strong track record of production in college. He was selected eighth overall by the Houston Texans.
- Cordarrelle Patterson (Tennessee): Patterson was known for his blazing speed and big-play ability. He was selected 29th overall by the Minnesota Vikings.
- Robert Woods (USC): Woods was a reliable and productive receiver with excellent route-running skills. He was selected 40th overall by the Buffalo Bills.
Tavon Austin’s NFL Career and Impact: Tavon Austin Draft
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11032597/20130223_jel_ss1_054.0.jpg "Tavon austin rams draft")
Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a mixed bag of electrifying plays and frustrating inconsistency. While he showcased exceptional speed and agility, his overall impact fell short of expectations, especially considering his high draft position. This section delves into the details of his professional journey, analyzing his strengths, weaknesses, and career trajectory.
Performance and Impact on the St. Louis Rams
Tavon Austin spent the first five seasons of his career with the St. Louis Rams, a period marked by both flashes of brilliance and struggles to consistently contribute. His speed and agility made him a threat in the return game, and he also had some notable moments as a receiver.
Austin’s career with the Rams was characterized by:
- Explosive Plays: His speed and agility made him a threat for big plays, both as a receiver and a returner. He had several memorable touchdowns, including a 98-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.
- Inconsistent Production: Austin’s impact on the field was often inconsistent. He struggled to create separation from defenders and had issues with drops. His limited size also made him vulnerable to bigger defenders.
- Shifting Roles: The Rams experimented with various roles for Austin, trying to maximize his impact. They used him as a receiver, a returner, and even as a running back at times. However, these changes didn’t always result in consistent success.
Strengths and Weaknesses as a Professional Football Player
Austin’s strengths as a professional football player were his speed, agility, and ability to make big plays. His weaknesses included his size, route running, and consistency.
- Strengths:
- Speed and Agility: Austin’s speed and agility were unmatched. He could outrun most defenders and make sharp cuts to avoid tackles. This made him a threat on every play, whether he was receiving the ball, returning kicks, or running the ball.
- Big Play Ability: Austin had a knack for making big plays. He could turn a short pass into a long gain or take a kickoff all the way for a touchdown. His speed and agility allowed him to make the most of any opportunity.
- Weaknesses:
- Size: Austin’s small stature (5’8″, 174 pounds) made him a target for bigger defenders. He struggled to create separation from defenders and often got knocked around in the middle of the field.
- Route Running: Austin’s route running was inconsistent. He often didn’t run crisp routes, which made it difficult for quarterbacks to throw him the ball accurately.
- Consistency: Austin was known for his inconsistency. He could have a great game one week and then disappear the next. This made it difficult for coaches to rely on him on a consistent basis.
Career Trajectory Compared to Other Wide Receivers Drafted in the Same Round, Tavon austin draft
Tavon Austin was drafted eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft. Other notable wide receivers drafted in the same round include DeAndre Hopkins (27th overall) and Keenan Allen (39th overall). Hopkins and Allen have gone on to have successful careers, becoming Pro Bowlers and establishing themselves as top receivers in the league. In contrast, Austin’s career has been more inconsistent.
- DeAndre Hopkins: Drafted 27th overall by the Houston Texans, Hopkins has become one of the most dominant wide receivers in the NFL. He has been selected to five Pro Bowls and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection. Hopkins’ consistency and ability to make tough catches have made him a valuable asset to any team.
- Keenan Allen: Drafted 39th overall by the San Diego Chargers, Allen has also enjoyed a successful career. He has been selected to four Pro Bowls and has consistently been one of the top receivers in the league. Allen’s route running and ability to make contested catches have made him a valuable target for quarterbacks.
Key Career Milestones and Accomplishments
Tavon Austin’s NFL career, despite its inconsistencies, was marked by some notable milestones and accomplishments.
- 2013 NFL Draft: Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams.
- 2013: Led the NFL in punt return yards (503) and punt return touchdowns (2).
- 2014: Recorded a career-high 57 catches for 473 yards and 4 touchdowns.
- 2015: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
- 2016: Signed with the Los Angeles Rams.
- 2017: Released by the Rams.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his blazing speed and electrifying playmaking ability. His selection by the St. Louis Rams with the eighth overall pick was a testament to his potential, but his career trajectory was ultimately impacted by factors like injuries and a limited role in some offenses.
To fully understand his journey, it’s important to consider his age at the time of the draft, which you can explore further in this article on tavon austin age. Despite facing challenges, Austin’s speed and agility continued to be a threat for opposing defenses throughout his NFL career, showcasing his unique skillset even as he transitioned to a more specialized role.
Tavon Austin’s selection by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft was a testament to his exceptional speed and agility, but his career trajectory ultimately took a different path. Despite being drafted eighth overall, his time in the league was marked by inconsistent performance, leaving many to wonder about his overall impact.
While the details of his on-field achievements are well-documented, the financial aspect of his career is often overlooked. A look into tavon austin career earnings provides a glimpse into the financial realities of a high-profile draft pick navigating the complexities of the NFL.
Ultimately, Austin’s story serves as a reminder that success in the NFL is a complex equation, where talent, opportunity, and circumstance all play a crucial role.
