Tavon Austin Draft A Tale of Speed and Unfulfilled Potential

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile

Tavon Austin was a highly-touted prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his exceptional speed and versatility. His college career at West Virginia showcased his potential as a dynamic offensive weapon, and he was selected in the first round by the St. Louis Rams.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Class

The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event, with several notable players selected. Tavon Austin was selected 8th overall by the St. Louis Rams. Other notable players selected in the first round included:

• Eric Fisher, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs (1st overall)
• Luke Joeckel, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars (2nd overall)
• Dee Milliner, Cornerback, New York Jets (9th overall)
• Barkevious Mingo, Linebacker, Cleveland Browns (6th overall)

Tavon Austin’s College Career

Tavon Austin’s college career at West Virginia was marked by his electrifying speed and agility. He was a dual-threat player, excelling as both a receiver and a running back. His exceptional athleticism allowed him to make big plays in both the passing and rushing game. However, some scouts questioned his ability to translate his success to the NFL level, citing concerns about his size and durability.

Tavon Austin’s Scouting Report

Tavon Austin’s scouting report highlighted his exceptional athleticism, speed, and versatility. His ability to make big plays in the open field was a significant asset, and his explosiveness as a runner made him a threat to score from anywhere on the field. However, concerns remained about his size and durability, which could limit his effectiveness in the NFL.

• Strengths:
  • Exceptional speed and agility
  • Dynamic playmaker in the open field
  • Versatility as a receiver and running back
  • Strong hands and route-running ability
• Weaknesses:
  • Limited size and frame
  • Durability concerns due to his slight build
  • Lack of experience as a traditional wide receiver

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career: Tavon Austin Draft

Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a complex tapestry of electrifying moments, frustrating inconsistencies, and the lingering question of what could have been. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, Austin entered the league with immense hype and the promise of being a game-changing offensive weapon. While he showcased his explosiveness and versatility throughout his career, injuries, coaching changes, and a lack of consistent offensive identity ultimately hindered his full potential.

Tavon Austin’s Early Seasons with the St. Louis Rams

Austin’s first two seasons in St. Louis were marked by flashes of brilliance, showcasing his dynamic playmaking abilities. He quickly established himself as a threat in the return game, earning the Pro Bowl in 2013 and becoming the first player in NFL history to have a punt return, kickoff return, and rushing touchdown in the same game. Austin’s speed and agility also made him a valuable weapon on offense, particularly as a slot receiver and screen runner. He averaged over 500 receiving yards in his first two seasons, demonstrating his ability to create big plays and stretch the field.

Tavon Austin’s Career Trajectory with the Rams

Despite the early promise, Austin’s role and impact with the Rams fluctuated throughout his tenure. He was utilized in a variety of ways, including as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist, often depending on the offensive scheme and coaching staff. While his statistics remained relatively consistent, with an average of around 500 receiving yards and 300 rushing yards per season, his overall impact on the Rams’ offense was inconsistent. Austin had a few notable seasons, like 2015 when he had over 800 receiving yards and scored 8 touchdowns. However, he also experienced seasons marred by injuries and a lack of clear offensive identity.

Tavon Austin’s Inconsistent Performance, Tavon austin draft

Tavon Austin’s NFL career was characterized by inconsistency, a factor attributed to several key challenges:

• Injuries: Throughout his career, Austin battled various injuries, including foot, ankle, and hamstring issues. These injuries often limited his playing time and hampered his ability to build consistent momentum.
• Coaching Changes: Austin played under several different offensive coordinators and head coaches during his time with the Rams. Each coaching staff had its own philosophy and offensive scheme, which made it difficult for Austin to establish a consistent role and rhythm.
• Team Strategy: The Rams struggled to find a clear offensive identity throughout Austin’s tenure. They often relied on a run-first approach, limiting Austin’s opportunities to showcase his playmaking abilities as a receiver and creating a more predictable offensive scheme for opposing defenses.

Tavon Austin’s Legacy and Impact

Tavon Austin’s NFL career, though marked by flashes of brilliance, ultimately fell short of the lofty expectations set for him as the eighth overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. His impact on the St. Louis Rams and his overall legacy in the league remain subjects of debate among fans and analysts. Examining his career trajectory alongside other players drafted in the same round and comparing his skillset to similar players provides valuable context for understanding his impact on the league.

Comparison to Other Players Drafted in the Same Round

Tavon Austin’s career is best understood by comparing it to other players drafted in the same round, the 2013 NFL Draft. Several players from that draft class, particularly at the wide receiver position, went on to have successful and impactful careers. Analyzing their development and impact helps us gauge the effectiveness of Austin’s career trajectory.

• DeAndre Hopkins (27th overall pick, Houston Texans): Hopkins has consistently been one of the most dominant wide receivers in the league, earning five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors. He has consistently put up high receiving yardage and touchdown numbers, showcasing a strong work ethic and consistent production. While Hopkins was drafted later in the first round, his success highlights the potential that Austin failed to fully realize.
• Cordarrelle Patterson (29th overall pick, Minnesota Vikings): Patterson has been a dynamic and versatile player, transitioning from a primarily return specialist to a more well-rounded offensive weapon. He has shown the ability to be a threat both as a receiver and a runner, demonstrating a similar skillset to Austin. However, Patterson’s career has been more consistent and productive than Austin’s, with greater success in establishing himself as a reliable offensive contributor.
• Kenny Stills (80th overall pick, New Orleans Saints): Stills, a later pick in the draft, has had a successful career as a deep threat receiver. While he has not reached the same level of production as Hopkins, his consistency and impact as a vertical threat highlight the potential for late-round picks to make significant contributions. This further underscores the importance of maximizing potential, an area where Austin struggled.

Statistical Comparison to Similar Players

To better understand Tavon Austin’s strengths and weaknesses, a comparison of his statistics to other players with similar skillsets is essential. The following table presents a comparison of Austin’s career statistics to other players known for their speed and versatility.

Player	Years	Games Played	Receiving Yards	Touchdowns	Yards per Reception
Tavon Austin	2013-2018	81	2,417	13	9.8
Percy Harvin	2009-2014	70	3,561	29	11.8
Chris Johnson	2008-2014	102	3,513	16	10.0
T.Y. Hilton	2012-2019	115	9,522	53	14.6

While Austin’s statistics are respectable, they pale in comparison to the other players listed. His career averages in receiving yards, touchdowns, and yards per reception are all lower than the other players, indicating a lack of consistency and impact in his offensive role. Furthermore, Austin’s ability to translate his speed and athleticism into consistent production on the field was hampered by a lack of route running and separation skills.

Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s draft stock soared on the back of his blazing speed, a skill that made him a highlight reel waiting to happen. However, his transition to the NFL was a rollercoaster, leaving many wondering if his incredible athleticism could translate into consistent production.

To understand the complexities of his career trajectory, one must delve into the intricacies of his journey, a journey well-documented in the tavon austin wiki. The draft day hype surrounding Austin was undeniable, but his NFL career ultimately became a cautionary tale of potential unrealized, a reminder that raw talent alone doesn’t guarantee success in the unforgiving world of professional football.

The Tavon Austin draft was a gamble, a bet on speed and potential that ultimately didn’t pay off. Many saw a parallel to the story of miles austin , another player who defied the odds and carved out a successful career despite being undrafted.

However, Austin’s journey was marred by inconsistent play and a lack of development, a stark contrast to the grit and determination that propelled Miles Austin to stardom. The Tavon Austin draft serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the inherent risks in betting on raw talent without a proven track record.