manxman2601
PatsFans.com Retired Jersey Club
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I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion, but does anyone else think Tavon Austin is overrated? I know he obviously has talent, he is a freak athlete with incredible speed, but I just have a hard time seeing how that is going to translate to the NFL. My biggest issue is I don't see him having a set position. Sure he is versatile, but he is a guy you have to build your offense around, not use him to fit your offense.
I know most people think he is a slot receiver based off his size, but I don't think he has the bulk and physicality to consistently make those tough catches inside. Welker might be short, but he is quite thick and is undoubtedly tough and that is a very underrated trait of a slow WR. I just don't see that with Austin. Even with his speed I think he will struggle lining up on the outside against bigger CB's and I think there is only so much you can do with him in the running game. He doesn't have the size to run between the tackles and you can become predictable if he only runs draws or to the outside. My issue is do you spend a high pick on a guy that can do a little of everything, but apart from being fast isn't great at anything. He can obviously make big plays, I don't think anyone will doubt that, but to be a 1st round value he needs to be a consistent contributor as well as a playmaker. I just don't see him being a good enough pure WR or RB to be on the field for considerable snaps.
To me he is the Dion Jordan of offensive players. He is a freak athlete, certainly has talent, but I just don't know how you can use him to get enough value out of him. I think being versatile is great, but I also think you need a base role on a team and I personally don't see that role for either guy. I think if the value were lower I would take a shot at him, but I also think we have a guy in Demps who offers a similar skillset (if he doesn't leave to run track). I love watching Austin play and I think he was the most exciting player in college football. But that doesn't mean he will make a great pro and I certainly wouldn't use a 1st round pick on him.
Agree with you completely. He's a gimmick player and a damn good one but I don't see it with him as a receiver. He gets open so much based on WVU's schemes rather than his ability to run routes, his hands are questionable as his discipline. Everyone raves about the Oklahoma game and whilst his open field abilities are unquestionable, he was getting gaping holes in that game that I could have run through. I have biq question marks about how you get him the ball in the NFL.