Tavon Austins Draft Pick A Look Back

Tavon Austin’s Draft Profile: Tavon Austin Draft Pick

Tavon Austin was a dynamic and electrifying player at West Virginia University, leaving a lasting impact on the Mountaineers’ offense. His exceptional speed, agility, and elusiveness made him a threat to score every time he touched the ball.

College Career and Statistics

Austin’s college career was marked by consistent production and a knack for making big plays. He played a key role in West Virginia’s high-powered offense, showcasing his versatility as a wide receiver, running back, and return specialist.

• In his four years at West Virginia, Austin accumulated 2,911 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns on 225 receptions.
• He also rushed for 1,228 yards and 14 touchdowns on 174 carries.
• His most notable season came in 2012, where he recorded 1,185 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver.
• Austin was also a dangerous returner, averaging 14.4 yards per punt return and 27.1 yards per kickoff return, with a total of six touchdowns.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Austin’s exceptional speed and agility were his most prominent assets, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He could easily create separation from defenders and make defenders miss in the open field.

• Strengths:
• Exceptional speed and agility: Austin’s speed was arguably his most defining attribute. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showcasing his explosive acceleration and ability to outrun defenders.
• Elusive: His agility and quick feet allowed him to make defenders miss in the open field. He was a master at changing directions and making sudden cuts, making him difficult to tackle.
• Versatility: Austin’s skill set allowed him to be utilized in various roles, including wide receiver, running back, and return specialist.
• Weaknesses:
• Size: At 5’8″ and 174 pounds, Austin’s size was a concern for some scouts. They questioned his ability to withstand the physicality of NFL defenders, particularly in contested catches and running routes against bigger cornerbacks.
• Route running: While Austin was a skilled athlete, his route running needed refinement. He relied heavily on his speed and athleticism, sometimes lacking the precision and nuance needed to consistently get open against NFL-caliber coverage.

Draft Profile Comparison

Austin’s draft profile was unique, as he combined the speed and elusiveness of a running back with the receiving skills of a wide receiver. His versatility made him a valuable asset, but his size and route running raised questions about his long-term potential.

• Similar Players: Austin’s draft profile drew comparisons to players like Devin Hester and DeSean Jackson, both known for their speed and explosiveness.
• Unique Attributes: While Austin’s speed and agility were similar to other top receivers in his draft class, his versatility and experience as a return specialist set him apart. He was a true weapon on special teams and had the potential to be a game-changer in the NFL.

Tavon Austin’s Draft Selection


Tavon Austin’s selection by the St. Louis Rams in the 2013 NFL Draft was a significant event, sparking excitement and anticipation for the young wide receiver’s potential. The Rams, seeking to revitalize their offense, believed Austin’s dynamic playmaking abilities would be a game-changer.

The Rams’ Rationale for Selecting Austin

The Rams’ decision to select Austin with the eighth overall pick was driven by their assessment of his exceptional athleticism, versatility, and potential to contribute immediately. Austin’s ability to play both wide receiver and running back, coupled with his electrifying speed and agility, made him a highly coveted prospect.

The Rams saw Austin as a dynamic weapon who could create mismatches and generate explosive plays. His presence was expected to inject a much-needed element of speed and excitement into their offense. They envisioned Austin being utilized in a variety of ways, including as a slot receiver, a running back on jet sweeps, and a return specialist.

Impact of Austin’s Draft Position on His Career Expectations

Austin’s high draft position, being selected in the top 10, naturally brought with it heightened expectations. He was immediately thrust into the spotlight, with fans and analysts alike anticipating him to be a star. This early success was not guaranteed. The pressure to perform at a high level, especially given the investment the Rams had made in him, was immense.

Austin’s draft position also impacted the expectations of his career trajectory. He was projected to be a key contributor and a cornerstone of the Rams’ offense. The high expectations placed on him would be a constant throughout his career.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career


Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a mixed bag of electrifying plays and frustrating inconsistencies. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, he was expected to be a game-changer, but injuries and a lack of consistent production hampered his potential.

Tavon Austin’s Time with the Rams

Austin’s first three seasons with the Rams were the most productive of his career. He showcased his explosiveness as a receiver and return specialist, making big plays and electrifying the crowd. He even set an NFL record for the fastest 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, clocking in at 4.25 seconds. Austin also had a few notable achievements during his time in St. Louis.

• In 2013, he had a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts, a Rams franchise record.
• In 2014, he had a 101-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, another Rams franchise record.
• In 2015, he had a 91-yard punt return for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite his highlight reel moments, Austin struggled with consistency and durability. Injuries plagued him throughout his career, limiting his ability to stay on the field and make a consistent impact. His role as a receiver was also limited, as he often struggled to create separation against NFL-caliber defenders.

Tavon Austin’s Role as a Receiver

Austin was primarily used as a slot receiver in the Rams’ offense. His speed and agility allowed him to create mismatches against smaller defensive backs, but his lack of size and strength made it difficult for him to consistently win against bigger cornerbacks. He also struggled with route running and catching the ball consistently, which limited his overall effectiveness as a receiver.

Tavon Austin’s Role as a Return Specialist, Tavon austin draft pick

Austin was a dynamic and explosive return specialist throughout his career. His speed and elusiveness made him a threat to take any return to the house. He was a key contributor to the Rams’ special teams unit, and his returns often provided a spark for the team’s offense.

Tavon Austin’s Time with the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers

After his time with the Rams, Austin spent a brief period with the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers. In Dallas, he was primarily used as a return specialist and gadget player. In San Francisco, he was primarily used as a wide receiver.

Tavon Austin’s Legacy as an NFL Player

Despite his inconsistencies, Austin left his mark on the NFL. He was a dynamic and explosive player who could make big plays on both offense and special teams. His speed and agility were unmatched, and he was a fan favorite for his highlight reel moments.

Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin’s draft pick was a whirlwind of excitement and speculation, with many wondering if his electrifying speed and agility would translate to the NFL. His story shares similarities with that of Stedman Bailey , a wide receiver who also faced adversity and overcame challenges on his path to the league.

Both players proved their determination and talent, leaving lasting impacts on the game, though their journeys took different turns. Austin’s journey, like Bailey’s, is a reminder that success can come in unexpected ways.

Tavon Austin’s draft selection was a gamble, a bet on his electrifying speed and agility. The St. Louis Rams, hoping to unlock a dynamic offensive weapon, took him eighth overall in 2013. While Austin’s speed was undeniable, his career trajectory didn’t quite match the hype.

To understand the ups and downs of his journey, take a look at tavon austin career stats , which paint a picture of his journey as a receiver and returner. Despite the inconsistent results, Austin’s draft pick remains a fascinating case study in the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft.