Detroit Lions Draft Prospects: Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia
A once dynamic Detroit Lions offense has become significantly inconsistent. Nate Burleson will see another season in a Lions uniform, but is coming off a serious leg injury, while Titus Young has forced his way out of Detroit and likely out of the NFL.
Another area that most fans would agree needs to be upgraded immediately is special teams. Stefan Logan just isn’t getting it done and needs to be replaced immediately. It’s time the Lions find a replacement for Titus Young and Stefan Logan and improve their roster in three key areas: Special teams returns, complimentary big play threat to Calvin Johnson, and Replacement for Jahvid Best. The Lions can improve in these three areas with one player, Tavon Austin.
December 1, 2012; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Tavon Austin (1) carries the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the third quarter at Milan Puskar Field. The West Virginia Mountaineers won 59-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Austin is one of the fastest players coming out of the draft sporting 4.25 and 4.31 second forty-yard dash times and will add that dynamic dimension the Lions were missing all season. Lions’ offensive coordinator Scott Linehan could use Austin out of the back field similarly to a Darren Sproles, and in the screen game. Austin would also pair well opposite of Calvin Johnson and with Ryan Broyles playing the slot, he could get a lot of one on one match ups down field. Austin doesn’t have ideal size (5-9, 172 lbs.) but what he lacks in size he makes up for in speed. Think of Austin as a Desean Jackson-type player – a game changer that can help your team win in multiple ways. Austin would provide an immediate upgrade for Stefan Logan during punt returns and kick returners, which would also free up another roster spot for the Lions.
Traits and Projected Round:
Austin is currently projected as a late first rounder and stands at 5’9, 172 lbs. He has elite speed that is hard to come by in the NFL and will be featured as a return specialist on punt returns and kick returns from day one. As a receiver Austin finished with over 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns at West Virginia and should find his way into most NFL rotations as complimentary receiver.
Why The Lions Should Draft Austin:
Austin makes the most since for the Lions, because he fills so many needs. By drafting Austin the Lions can improve their team quicker. Last season the Lions made the mistake of passing up on players because of cap space and overconfidence in their standing roster and while teams like the Vikings, Bears, Packers and Buccaneers drafted well and signed key players in free agency. It’s time the Lions do the same by trading back into the first round to land Austin, or taking him in the second round if he falls there, because he’s too valuable to pass up.
Player Austin resembles in the NFL: Desean Jackson
The video below tells you everything you need to know about Austin’s electrifying style of play. Enjoy the video and don’t forget to wipe the drool from your mouth after seeing Austin take college football by storm.