Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile
Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect entering the 2013 NFL Draft. His electrifying speed and agility made him a dynamic playmaker in college, and he was expected to translate those skills to the professional level.
Tavon Austin’s College Statistics and Accolades, Tavon austin draft
Tavon Austin’s collegiate career was marked by impressive production and numerous accolades. At West Virginia University, he showcased his versatility and explosiveness as a receiver and return specialist.
- Receiving: In his three seasons at West Virginia, Austin amassed 2,902 receiving yards and 31 touchdowns. He also averaged a remarkable 17.7 yards per reception.
- Returning: As a return specialist, Austin was equally dominant. He recorded 1,613 kickoff return yards and four touchdowns, along with 808 punt return yards and two touchdowns.
- Accolades: Austin’s exceptional performances earned him numerous honors, including:
- Biletnikoff Award (2012) – Awarded to the nation’s top receiver.
- First-team All-Big 12 (2011, 2012)
- Consensus All-American (2012)
Pre-Draft Evaluations of Tavon Austin
Scouts and analysts were impressed by Tavon Austin’s speed, agility, and explosiveness. However, there were also concerns about his size and his ability to translate his college success to the NFL.
Strengths
- Speed: Austin’s speed was considered elite, with a 4.34-second 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine.
- Agility: He displayed exceptional agility and quickness, making him a difficult player to cover in space.
- Big-Play Ability: Austin’s speed and elusiveness allowed him to consistently create big plays in college.
- Versatility: He was capable of playing both receiver and return specialist, making him a valuable asset to any team.
Weaknesses
- Size: At 5’8″ and 174 pounds, Austin was considered undersized for a wide receiver.
- Strength: Some scouts questioned his strength and ability to withstand the physicality of NFL defenses.
- Route Running: While he possessed good speed, some analysts felt his route running needed improvement.
- Durability: Austin had a history of minor injuries in college, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
Projected Positions for Tavon Austin
Tavon Austin’s unique skill set and physical attributes led to speculation about his potential role in the NFL.
- Slot Receiver: Many analysts believed Austin’s speed and agility would make him a dangerous slot receiver.
- Return Specialist: His explosive returns in college made him a valuable asset as a return specialist.
- Offensive Weapon: Some teams envisioned using Austin in a variety of ways, including as a running back, wide receiver, and returner.
The 2013 NFL Draft: Tavon Austin Draft
The 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event in the history of the league, marked by several notable selections and emerging trends. It was held on April 25-27, 2013, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The draft featured a mix of highly touted prospects and players with unique skill sets, setting the stage for a new era in the NFL.
Tavon Austin’s Selection
Tavon Austin was selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Rams were in need of a dynamic playmaker to complement their young offensive core, and Austin’s speed and versatility made him an attractive option. At the time, the Rams were coming off a disappointing 7-8-1 season and were looking to make a splash in the draft. They believed that Austin’s ability to contribute both as a receiver and a returner would make him a valuable asset to their team.
Impact of Tavon Austin’s Draft Position
Tavon Austin’s high draft position placed significant expectations on his shoulders. As an eighth overall pick, he was expected to be a cornerstone player for the Rams and a potential game-changer. However, his career trajectory was impacted by various factors, including the team’s offensive scheme, the emergence of other players, and injuries. While Austin did have moments of brilliance, he struggled to consistently live up to the hype that surrounded him as a high draft pick. His career ultimately reflected the challenges of transitioning from a successful college career to the NFL, where the competition is much fiercer.
Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s draft selection in 2013 was a bold move, a gamble on his explosive speed and agility. The 2013 NFL Draft was a turning point for many franchises, and Austin’s journey serves as a reminder that even with immense talent, success requires more than just raw athleticism.
He brought a unique dimension to the game, but ultimately, his impact on the league wasn’t as impactful as many hoped.
Tavon Austin’s draft stock soared thanks to his electrifying speed and agility, but it was his time at West Virginia University that truly showcased his talent. To see just how dominant he was, check out tavon austin wvu highlights – you’ll witness the kind of game-breaking plays that made him a first-round pick and a fan favorite.
