Tavon Austin Rams: Revisiting A Dynamic Era
Do you ever think about those players who truly captured our imagination, perhaps in ways we did not quite expect? It's almost like a very unique security system for an offense, a player who could, in a way, protect against stagnation. That's how many remember Tavon Austin's time with the Rams. He was a genuine game-changer, someone who brought a different kind of energy to the field, and his presence, you know, could make defenses quite nervous.
His arrival with the Rams, back in 2013, brought a lot of excitement, a rather fresh feeling for the team and its fans. People had heard about his incredible speed and agility from his college days, and there was a lot of hope that he could, you know, transform the team's offensive approach. It was a time when the team really needed a spark, and many thought he was just the player to provide it, actually.
This article will take a closer look at Tavon Austin's journey with the Rams, from the buzz of his draft day to his moments of brilliance, and even some of the challenges he faced. We will, in some respects, explore how his unique skills were meant to be a kind of offensive security measure, designed to create opportunities and keep opponents guessing. We will also touch upon his life details and what his time with the team means looking back, today, October 26, 2023.
Table of Contents
- A Glimpse into Tavon Austin's Life
- The Buzz Around Draft Day 2013
- Early Years with the Rams: A New Kind of Threat
- Austin's Role and Impact on the Field
- The Contract and Mounting Expectations
- Challenges and Injuries: A Roadblock
- Departure from the Rams
- Post-Rams Career and Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions About Tavon Austin Rams
A Glimpse into Tavon Austin's Life
Tavon Austin's story starts long before he put on a Rams uniform, of course. He grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, and showed early signs of his incredible athletic gifts. His high school career at Dunbar was nothing short of spectacular, where he, you know, truly stood out as a multi-sport star. He played football and basketball, and his quickness was just apparent even then, actually. Many people who saw him play in those days would tell you he was something special, a kind of player you do not see every day, really.
He decided to play college football at West Virginia University, and that is where he truly made a name for himself on a national stage. His time there was marked by record-breaking performances, especially during his senior season in 2012. He was a dynamic force, a player who could, in a way, be considered an entire offensive security system all by himself. He could run the ball, catch passes, and return kicks, always posing a threat to opposing teams. His ability to create big plays from seemingly nothing was, you know, quite astonishing, and it caught the attention of every NFL scout, more or less.
His college highlights are still, in some respects, talked about today. He had games where he would put up truly eye-popping numbers, showcasing his ability to score from anywhere on the field. This versatility and explosive playmaking ability made him one of the most exciting prospects leading up to the 2013 NFL Draft. Teams were, arguably, trying to figure out how they could best use a player with his unique skillset, someone who could, you know, genuinely change the way they approached their offense, just a little.
Personal Details and Bio Data
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tavon Wesley Austin |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Baltimore, Maryland, USA |
| College | West Virginia University |
| Position | Wide Receiver, Running Back, Return Specialist |
| NFL Draft Year | 2013 |
| Draft Pick | 8th overall (1st Round) |
| Teams Played For (NFL) | St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2013-2017), Dallas Cowboys (2018-2019), Green Bay Packers (2020), Jacksonville Jaguars (2021), Buffalo Bills (2022) |
The Buzz Around Draft Day 2013
The 2013 NFL Draft was a big moment for the St. Louis Rams, and particularly for Tavon Austin. The Rams held the second overall pick, which they traded, and then, you know, they had the eighth pick, among others. There was a lot of speculation about what they would do with those selections. When they chose Tavon Austin with the eighth pick, it was, in a way, a statement. It showed they were willing to invest heavily in a player known for his pure speed and unique offensive potential, something they hadn't really done in quite a while, actually.
Many analysts and fans were, arguably, quite excited by the pick. Austin represented a shift in offensive philosophy, a move towards more dynamic, explosive plays. He was seen as a player who could, you know, instantly add a spark to an offense that had sometimes struggled to find consistent playmaking. His ability to line up in different spots, like the backfield, in the slot, or even out wide, made him a truly intriguing prospect. This kind of versatility was, in some respects, what teams were looking for, a player who could be a solution to many problems, a bit like a comprehensive security system for your home, protecting against various threats.
The decision to draft him so high also spoke to the belief the Rams had in his ability to, you know, truly impact the game beyond just traditional receiving numbers. They saw him as a weapon, a player who could force defenses to adapt and, in a way, change their entire approach. It was a bold move, and it certainly generated a lot of discussion among football circles. People wondered how the Rams would use him, and what kind of impact he would have right away, honestly.
Early Years with the Rams: A New Kind of Threat
Tavon Austin's rookie season with the Rams, in 2013, brought a mix of flashes and, you know, some learning moments. He immediately showcased his electrifying speed and agility on punt returns, which was, in some respects, where he made his most immediate impact. There were plays where he would just, you know, take off and leave everyone behind, showing why he was drafted so high. These moments were, arguably, a clear indication of the kind of threat he could be, a bit like a modern security system that alerts you instantly to any unusual activity, very quickly.
As a receiver, his usage was a bit varied. The Rams tried to get him involved in different ways, with jet sweeps, screens, and short passes designed to get the ball into his hands quickly. He was, in a way, a piece of an evolving offensive strategy. There were games where he would have a significant impact, like his memorable four-touchdown performance against the Indianapolis Colts, which was, you know, truly spectacular. That game, in fact, showed everyone what he was capable of when everything clicked, basically.
However, consistency was, in some respects, a challenge. It is that way for many rookies, especially those with such a unique skillset. Defenses began to, you know, adjust to his presence, and finding ways to get him the ball effectively became a bit of a puzzle for the coaching staff. He was always a player who drew attention, and that, in a way, helped other players, even if his own statistics did not always reflect his full impact. His presence was, arguably, a form of offensive security, drawing defenders and creating space for others, you know.
Austin's Role and Impact on the Field
Tavon Austin's role with the Rams was, in a way, quite distinct. He was never truly a traditional wide receiver in the sense of running a full route tree and catching a high volume of passes. Instead, he was used as a versatile offensive weapon, a kind of Swiss Army knife for the team. This meant he would get carries out of the backfield, take jet sweeps, and, you know, catch short passes that allowed him to use his open-field ability. His speed was, arguably, his most dangerous asset, and the Rams tried to leverage that as much as possible, just a little.
His impact often went beyond what showed up in the box score, too. When Austin was on the field, defenses had to account for his speed and his ability to, you know, break off a big play at any moment. This attention, in some respects, created opportunities for other players. He was a constant threat, a bit like a comprehensive surveillance system that keeps an eye on everything, making sure no threat goes unnoticed. His presence could, in a way, open up running lanes for the running backs or free up other receivers, which was, you know, a valuable contribution, basically.
He was also a very dangerous punt returner, and that is where he truly excelled consistently. His ability to change direction and accelerate quickly made him a nightmare for opposing special teams units. There were many times when he would, you know, flip the field position in the Rams' favor with a long return, providing a real boost to the team's chances. This aspect of his game was, in some respects, a crucial part of his overall value, and it was, you know, something fans always looked forward to seeing, as a matter of fact. You can find his career stats and more at Pro-Football-Reference.com.
The Contract and Mounting Expectations
In 2016, the Rams decided to sign Tavon Austin to a four-year contract extension worth a significant amount of money. This deal, you know, really showed the team's belief in his long-term potential and his value to the offense. It was, in a way, a commitment to him as a cornerstone player, someone they expected to be a major part of their plans for years to come. This kind of investment, arguably, comes with a lot of expectations, and it can be a heavy burden for any player, just a little.
The contract, in some respects, put a spotlight on his production. Fans and analysts started to, you know, look at his receiving numbers and compare them to other players who were making similar amounts of money. While his impact on the field was often about more than just catches and yards, the financial commitment naturally led to a desire for more traditional statistical output. It was a situation where, in a way, the team was hoping he would be an efficient system, providing returns beyond the traditional, but also delivering in measurable ways, you know.
This period also coincided with the Rams' move back to Los Angeles, which brought even more attention to the team and its players. The pressure to perform was, arguably, higher than ever, and Austin was, in some respects, one of the faces of the franchise during this transition. The expectations were, you know, quite immense, and every play he made, or did not make, was scrutinized, basically. It was a challenging time for him to navigate, and it showed how much pressure can come with a big contract, honestly.
Challenges and Injuries: A Roadblock
Despite his undeniable talent, Tavon Austin's time with the Rams was, in some respects, also marked by some challenges, particularly with injuries. Throughout his career, he dealt with various ailments that, you know, kept him off the field or limited his effectiveness. These injuries, in a way, prevented him from truly building consistent momentum and showcasing his full range of abilities over an entire season. It's tough for any player to perform at their best when they are not fully healthy, and that was, arguably, a factor for him, basically.
The nature of his playing style, which relied so heavily on quick bursts of speed and agility, also made him, in some respects, more susceptible to certain types of injuries. He was always, you know, putting his body on the line, making sharp cuts and taking hits in open space. This aggressive style, while exciting to watch, also carried a risk. It's a bit like a highly advanced security system that has many intricate parts; if one piece is compromised, the whole system can be affected, you know.
These setbacks, in a way, made it difficult for him to fully live up to the lofty expectations that came with being a top-10 draft pick and, later, a highly paid player. While he still had moments of brilliance, the consistency that fans and the team hoped for was, arguably, hard to achieve when he was not always at 100%. It was a frustrating situation for everyone involved, as they knew the potential was there, but it was just a little hard to consistently tap into it, actually. You can learn more about Rams history on our site.
Departure from the Rams
The Rams eventually made the decision to trade Tavon Austin in April 2018. He was sent to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a sixth-round pick. This move, in a way, signaled a shift in the Rams' offensive philosophy under then-new head coach Sean McVay. The team was, you know, moving towards a more traditional offensive scheme that relied less on the kind of gadget plays and specific roles that Austin had often filled. It was, arguably, a business decision that made sense for both sides at that point, basically.
For Austin, the trade offered a fresh start and a chance to, you know, find a new role with a different team. His time with the Rams had been, in some respects, a roller coaster of high expectations, exciting plays, and also some frustrating moments. The team had invested a lot in him, hoping he would be a cornerstone of their offense, a kind of ultimate protection against offensive woes. However, as the team evolved, his specific skillset became, in a way, less of a central focus, you know.
His departure was, in some respects, a quiet end to a very loud beginning. He was a player who generated immense buzz on draft day, and he certainly had his share of memorable plays with the Rams. While he did not always put up the receiving numbers that many expected from a top-10 pick, his impact on the field, especially as a returner and a player who drew defensive attention, was, arguably, still significant. It was a moment that showed how quickly things can change in the NFL, even for highly touted players, as a matter of fact. You can find more NFL player profiles on this page.
Post-Rams Career and Legacy
After leaving the Rams, Tavon Austin continued his NFL journey with several other teams. He played for the Dallas Cowboys, the Green Bay Packers, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Buffalo Bills. With each team, he continued to be a versatile player, contributing as a receiver, a return specialist, and, you know, a gadget player. While he did not regain the kind of prominence he had as a high draft pick, he still managed to carve out a respectable career, which is, in some respects, a testament to his unique abilities and his dedication to the game, basically.
His time with the Rams, in some respects, remains a fascinating chapter in the team's history. He was a player who symbolized a certain era for the franchise, one where they were trying to find their identity and build a competitive team. His speed and dynamism were, arguably, unmatched by many players during his tenure, and he provided many exciting moments for fans. He was, in a way, an attempt to build an efficient system that went beyond traditional solutions, a bit like those modern security systems that offer comprehensive protection, you know.
Tavon Austin's legacy with the Rams is, in some respects, complex. He was not a traditional superstar, but he was, arguably, a player who always kept defenses guessing. He was a threat every time he touched the ball, and that, in a way, has a lasting impact. Fans will remember his electrifying returns and his ability to, you know, turn a short gain into a big play. He was a unique talent, and his presence on the field, even as a decoy, always served as a kind of offensive security measure, drawing attention and creating opportunities for others, as a matter of fact. He truly was a one-of-a-kind player for the Rams, and his story is, you know, an interesting one to look back on, today, in October 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tavon Austin Rams
Why did the Rams draft Tavon Austin so high?
The Rams drafted Tavon Austin with the 8th overall pick in 2013 because of his extraordinary speed, agility, and versatility. They saw him as a dynamic offensive weapon who could, you know, transform their attack and create big plays as a receiver, runner, and return specialist. He was, arguably, considered a unique talent who could, in a way, be a cornerstone of their offense, basically.
What was Tavon Austin's best season with the Rams?
Tavon Austin's most productive season with the Rams was arguably 2015. That year, he had 52 receptions for 473 yards and 5 touchdowns, along with 52 carries for 278 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. He also returned a punt for a touchdown. This season, in some respects, showcased his all-around offensive impact and his ability to score in multiple ways, you know.
Where is Tavon Austin now?
As of late 2023, Tavon Austin is currently a free agent. He last played in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills during the 2022 season. He has, in a way, had a long career since leaving the Rams, playing for several teams and continuing to contribute with his unique skillset, basically.
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