Tavon Austin Draft A Tale of Hype and Reality

Tavon Austin’s College Career and Pre-Draft Hype

Tavon Austin’s journey from West Virginia University to the NFL was marked by electrifying performances and sky-high expectations. His college career showcased a unique blend of speed, agility, and versatility that had scouts and fans alike buzzing about his potential.

Austin’s dominance on the field at West Virginia University quickly propelled him into the spotlight. His explosive plays and game-changing abilities earned him numerous accolades and solidified his status as one of the most exciting prospects in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Austin’s Impact at West Virginia

Austin’s college career was a whirlwind of big plays and record-breaking performances. He quickly established himself as a dynamic weapon for the Mountaineers, leaving a lasting impact on the program.

• Record-Breaking Speed: Austin’s speed was unmatched in college football. He set the NCAA record for the fastest 40-yard dash time by a running back, clocking in at a blistering 4.25 seconds. This remarkable feat highlighted his exceptional athleticism and potential for explosive plays at the professional level.
• Versatile Weapon: Austin’s versatility was a key factor in his success. He excelled as a receiver, running back, and return specialist, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to create big plays from multiple positions made him a true offensive threat.
• Accolades and Recognition: Austin’s talent and impact were recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He was named a consensus All-American in 2012 and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, showcasing his elite status among college football players.

Pre-Draft Hype Surrounding Austin

Austin’s impressive college career and exceptional athleticism generated significant buzz and excitement leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft. His combination of speed, agility, and versatility made him a highly sought-after prospect, and teams were eager to add his dynamic playmaking ability to their rosters.

• Exceptional Athleticism: Austin’s physical attributes were a major factor in his pre-draft hype. His record-breaking speed, agility, and explosiveness were evident in his college performances and were highly coveted by NFL teams.
• Versatility and Potential: Austin’s ability to play multiple positions made him a valuable asset for any team. His versatility as a receiver, running back, and return specialist allowed him to contribute in various ways, making him a valuable weapon for any offensive coordinator.
• High Expectations: The combination of Austin’s talent, athleticism, and versatility led to high expectations surrounding his draft prospects. Many experts predicted that he would be a top-10 pick and a future star in the NFL.

The 2013 NFL Draft and Austin’s Selection

The 2013 NFL Draft was a memorable one, filled with exciting prospects and impactful selections. Teams were looking to fill crucial needs, and the draft was a chance to reshape their rosters for the future.

The St. Louis Rams, under new head coach Jeff Fisher, were in a rebuilding phase. They were coming off a 7-8-1 season and were looking to inject talent and excitement into their offense. With the eighth overall pick, the Rams made a bold decision: they selected Tavon Austin, the electrifying wide receiver from West Virginia.

Austin’s Draft Position Compared to Other Top Receivers, Tavon austin draft

The 2013 draft class boasted a strong group of wide receivers. Austin’s selection at eighth overall was notable because other highly touted receivers were still available, including:

• DeAndre Hopkins (27th overall, Houston Texans): Hopkins went on to have a successful career, establishing himself as a reliable target and a Pro Bowl selection.
• Cordarrelle Patterson (29th overall, Minnesota Vikings): Patterson’s explosive speed and big-play ability made him a dynamic weapon for the Vikings, but he never quite lived up to his full potential.
• Robert Woods (41st overall, Buffalo Bills): Woods has had a consistent and productive career, becoming a reliable receiver for the Rams after a trade in 2017.

The Rams’ decision to select Austin so early, ahead of other talented receivers, was a testament to their belief in his unique skill set and potential.

Tavon Austin’s NFL Career Trajectory: Tavon Austin Draft

Tavon Austin’s NFL career was a blend of electrifying moments and frustrating inconsistencies. Despite his exceptional athleticism and early promise, he struggled to find a consistent role and fully realize his potential. This thread explores the factors that contributed to his uneven journey, examining his stints with the St. Louis Rams, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers.

Tavon Austin’s Time with the St. Louis Rams

Austin’s NFL journey began with the St. Louis Rams, who drafted him eighth overall in 2013. He was expected to be a dynamic playmaker, adding explosiveness to the Rams’ offense. Austin’s early seasons were marked by flashes of brilliance, but he struggled to find a consistent role within the offense.

• Austin’s initial years in St. Louis were a mix of excitement and frustration. He showcased his speed and agility, returning kicks for touchdowns and making big plays in the receiving game. However, his small stature and lack of size limited his effectiveness as a traditional wide receiver, leading to inconsistencies in his production.
• The Rams experimented with different ways to utilize Austin’s skills, deploying him as a slot receiver, a running back, and a return specialist. However, these efforts did not translate into consistent success, as Austin often struggled to find a rhythm within the offense and his role remained undefined.
• Austin’s time in St. Louis was also marked by injuries, which further hampered his progress and limited his opportunities. He missed games in several seasons, preventing him from building momentum and consistency.

Factors Contributing to Tavon Austin’s Inconsistency

Austin’s inability to meet initial expectations was attributed to several factors:

• Limited Size and Strength: Austin’s diminutive stature (5’8″, 174 pounds) made him susceptible to physicality, hindering his ability to win contested catches and create yards after the catch. This limitation was particularly evident against larger defensive backs, who often outmuscled him in one-on-one matchups.
• Lack of Route Running Precision: Austin’s route running was not as polished as expected for a player drafted so high. His quickness and explosiveness were undeniable, but his route-running technique lacked the finesse and precision needed to consistently beat NFL cornerbacks. This deficiency made it difficult for him to establish a reliable connection with quarterbacks, resulting in missed opportunities and frustration.
• Inconsistency with Ball Security: Throughout his career, Austin struggled with fumbles, often losing the ball on big plays. This issue raised concerns about his ability to handle the pressure and intensity of the NFL game, leading to decreased confidence and trust from coaches and teammates.
• Limited Offensive Role and Uncertainty: Austin’s role within the Rams’ offense was often unclear. He was used in various ways, but never fully settled into a defined position. This lack of consistency made it difficult for him to build confidence and develop a rhythm within the offense.

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

After his time with the Rams, Austin played for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers, seeking to revitalize his career and make a significant impact. However, he struggled to find his footing in both teams, facing similar challenges to those he encountered in St. Louis.

• Austin’s stint with the Dallas Cowboys was short-lived, lasting only one season (2017). Despite showing flashes of his explosiveness, he was unable to consistently contribute to the offense and was released after the season. His role with the Cowboys was limited, as he was primarily used as a return specialist and a gadget player, unable to secure a significant role in the passing game.
• Austin’s final NFL season came with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018. He was signed in hopes of adding depth and explosiveness to the offense, but his impact was minimal. He was released mid-season after failing to make a significant contribution, ending his NFL career on a disappointing note.

Tavon austin draft – Tavon Austin’s electrifying speed and agility made him a hot commodity in the 2013 NFL Draft, but his potential was already evident during his time at West Virginia. You can relive those explosive moments by checking out tavon austin wvu highlights , showcasing his dynamic playmaking abilities that ultimately led him to being drafted eighth overall by the St.

Louis Rams.

Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft, known for his electrifying speed and agility. After being selected eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams, Austin’s career took him on a journey through several teams, including a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys.

To learn more about his time in Dallas, you can read about tavon austin cowboys , where he hoped to reignite his career. Despite his promising start, Austin’s draft stock ultimately fell short of expectations, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the NFL draft process.