Taron Austin’s Draft Profile
Taron Austin, a dynamic and versatile athlete, entered the 2013 NFL Draft with a unique blend of speed, agility, and big-play potential. Scouts and analysts dissected his college career and projected his future in the NFL, leading to a wide range of opinions and expectations surrounding his draft position. This analysis delves into the factors that shaped Austin’s draft profile, examining his strengths, weaknesses, and the expectations that surrounded him leading up to the draft.
Pre-Draft Scouting Reports
Scouting reports on Taron Austin highlighted his exceptional athleticism and explosiveness, particularly his blazing speed. His ability to create big plays with the ball in his hands was widely recognized, and his versatility as a receiver and return specialist was considered a valuable asset. However, concerns about his size and his ability to consistently translate his athleticism into production at the next level were also noted.
- Strengths:
- Elite Speed and Agility: Austin’s speed was arguably his most significant asset, making him a threat to break away for big plays. His agility and quick cuts allowed him to elude defenders and make difficult catches.
- Big-Play Ability: Austin possessed the ability to turn short passes and runs into long gains, consistently threatening defenses with his explosive speed and elusiveness.
- Versatility: He was considered a valuable asset due to his ability to play both wide receiver and return specialist, providing teams with options in multiple areas.
- Weaknesses:
- Size and Strength: Austin’s smaller frame and lack of upper-body strength raised concerns about his ability to withstand physical contact and make contested catches in the NFL.
- Route Running: While his speed was undeniable, his route running needed refinement. Scouts questioned his ability to consistently create separation against NFL-level defensive backs.
- Consistency: Austin’s production at West Virginia fluctuated, leading to concerns about his ability to maintain a high level of play at the professional level.
Draft Expectations
Prior to the 2013 NFL Draft, expectations for Taron Austin varied widely. Some analysts projected him as a first-round pick, recognizing his exceptional athleticism and potential to be a game-changer. Others, however, expressed concerns about his size, route running, and consistency, placing him in the later rounds of the draft.
“Austin has the speed to be a dangerous weapon, but he needs to develop his route running and strength to be a consistent contributor at the NFL level.” – ESPN Analyst
Factors Influencing Draft Position
Several factors contributed to Taron Austin’s eventual draft position in the 2013 NFL Draft. His size and strength concerns were significant, as teams often prioritize bigger, more physical receivers. His inconsistency in college production also raised questions about his ability to handle the demands of the NFL. Additionally, the 2013 draft class was considered deep at the wide receiver position, providing teams with a wide range of options.
- Size and Strength Concerns: Teams were hesitant to draft a receiver with Austin’s size and strength, as they often prefer players who can win physical battles and make contested catches.
- Inconsistent College Production: Austin’s inconsistent production at West Virginia raised concerns about his ability to handle the increased physicality and competition of the NFL.
- Deep Wide Receiver Class: The 2013 draft class featured several talented wide receivers, giving teams a wide array of options to choose from.
The Impact of the Draft Pick
Tavon Austin’s selection in the 2013 NFL Draft had a significant impact on the St. Louis Rams, the team that drafted him. The Rams selected Austin in the first round, eighth overall, highlighting their belief in his potential to revolutionize their offense. This selection, however, not only influenced their roster composition but also their overall draft strategy.
Austin’s Impact on the Rams’ Roster and Draft Strategy
Austin’s arrival in St. Louis brought a dynamic element to the Rams’ offense. His speed and agility were seen as valuable assets that could stretch the field and create opportunities for other players. This, in turn, influenced the Rams’ draft strategy. They began to prioritize selecting players with similar attributes, such as wide receivers with exceptional speed and agility. This strategy aimed to create a high-powered offense that could exploit Austin’s unique skills.
Austin’s Career with the Rams
Austin’s career with the Rams was a mix of highlights and inconsistencies. He showcased his explosive playmaking ability with electrifying runs and receptions. However, he also struggled with injuries and consistency, failing to fully live up to his draft hype.
Here is a timeline of Austin’s career with the Rams:
- 2013: Austin’s rookie season was marked by flashes of brilliance. He returned a punt for a touchdown in his first game, and finished the season with 40 receptions for 418 yards and 4 touchdowns.
- 2014: Austin continued to show glimpses of his potential, but injuries hampered his progress. He finished the season with 58 receptions for 523 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- 2015: Despite a significant role in the offense, Austin’s production declined. He finished the season with 38 receptions for 356 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- 2016: Austin was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in the middle of the season. This marked the end of his tenure with the Rams.
While Austin’s time with the Rams was not without its challenges, he undeniably left his mark on the team’s offensive philosophy. His speed and agility inspired the Rams to draft similar players, ultimately shaping their offensive identity.
Austin’s NFL Career and Legacy: Tavon Austin Draft Pick
Tavon Austin, the explosive wide receiver and return specialist, entered the NFL with immense hype and expectations. Drafted eighth overall by the St. Louis Rams in 2013, he was projected to be a game-changer, a dynamic playmaker who could electrify the league with his speed and elusiveness. However, his NFL career didn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations.
Austin’s NFL career was a rollercoaster ride of flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. While he showcased his explosive playmaking ability on numerous occasions, he struggled to maintain consistent production and overcome injuries.
Austin’s Performance Compared to Pre-Draft Expectations, Tavon austin draft pick
Austin’s NFL career was a mixed bag, falling short of the pre-draft expectations that had him pegged as a potential game-breaking offensive weapon. While he displayed flashes of brilliance, his overall production and consistency didn’t quite match the hype.
- Limited Receiving Production: Despite his speed and elusiveness, Austin never truly developed into a reliable receiving threat. He finished his career with just over 3,000 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, a modest total considering his high draft position.
- Injury Concerns: Austin battled various injuries throughout his career, including hamstring, shoulder, and foot ailments. These injuries limited his availability and hampered his ability to establish a consistent rhythm.
- Lack of Durability: Austin’s small frame and aggressive running style made him susceptible to injuries, leading to a lack of durability that hindered his overall impact.
- Limited Route Running: Austin’s route running wasn’t as refined as some had hoped, limiting his ability to create separation and get open consistently against NFL defenses.
Key Moments and Highlights of Austin’s Career
Despite the inconsistencies, Austin produced some memorable moments and highlights throughout his career. His electrifying speed and agility made him a threat to take it to the house anytime he touched the ball.
- 2013: Austin’s rookie season showcased his potential, as he returned a punt for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts and had a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks. These two plays demonstrated his explosive playmaking ability and highlighted his potential as a return specialist.
- 2015: Austin had a career-high 81 receptions for 653 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his potential as a receiving threat. He also returned a punt for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers, demonstrating his ability to make big plays in the return game.
- 2017: Austin’s most productive season, as he totaled 57 catches for 589 yards and five touchdowns. He also returned a kickoff for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers, further showcasing his versatility as a playmaker.
Austin’s Overall Impact on the NFL
Austin’s impact on the NFL was a mixed bag. While he didn’t reach the lofty expectations that accompanied his draft status, he did make a significant impact as a return specialist and occasionally as a playmaker on offense.
- Return Specialist: Austin’s speed and agility made him a dangerous returner, and he amassed over 2,000 return yards and four touchdowns throughout his career. He was a threat to take it to the house anytime he touched the ball, adding excitement and explosiveness to the game.
- Offensive Weapon: While not consistently productive, Austin was a dangerous offensive weapon when he was healthy and playing well. He could create big plays with his speed and elusiveness, posing a threat to defenses every time he touched the ball.
- Limited Overall Impact: Due to injuries and inconsistencies, Austin’s overall impact on the NFL was somewhat limited. He never truly developed into the game-breaking receiver that many had envisioned, but he still had a positive impact on the teams he played for.
Austin’s Legacy as a Player
Austin’s legacy is a reminder that potential doesn’t always translate into consistent success. While he never quite lived up to the hype, he still had a solid NFL career and made a significant impact as a return specialist and occasional offensive weapon. He will be remembered for his electrifying speed and agility, his ability to make big plays, and his contributions to the teams he played for.
Tavon austin draft pick – Tavon Austin was a highly touted prospect coming out of West Virginia, possessing blazing speed and elusiveness. The St. Louis Rams selected him eighth overall in the 2013 NFL Draft, hoping he’d be a game-changing weapon. While he flashed his talent at times, his career never quite lived up to the hype.
To learn more about Austin’s financial success in the NFL, you can check out tavon austin career earnings. Despite his draft position, Austin’s career was marked by inconsistency, and he ultimately played for five different teams in eight seasons.
Tavon Austin’s draft selection was a gamble, a bet on explosive athleticism. While his speed was undeniable, he faced challenges transitioning from the college game. Similar to the story of Stedman Bailey , who faced adversity after his promising NFL career, Austin’s journey was also marked by setbacks.
Despite the obstacles, both players have demonstrated resilience and inspire with their stories.
