Whether we like it or not, every team has a scrutinized player. And as far as the St. Louis Rams go, this is a very obvious pick. Tavon Austin is easily the most scrutinized player that plays for the Rams.
Austin was the eighth overall pick for the Rams in 2012 and was expected to be one of the most deadliest wide receivers in the NFL. But, in order to be deadly, you have to have the ball in your hands and well, that just hasn’t been the case in his first two seasons.
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Austin has just four touchdown receptions and 660 career receiving yards, and most of that came in his rookie season where he had four scores and 418 yards. In 2014, Austin had zero games with five or more receptions and was targeted just 44 times! 44 people. His 44 targets transferred into 31 receptions, 242 yards and zero receiving touchdowns.
Who was the last receiver before Austin to get drafted in the top 10, and have less than five touchdown receptions in his first two season with no major injuries? Not sure, but good luck finding one.
Austin has noticed the criticism as of late and isn’t very happy with it. Austin voiced his opinion recently and had several things to say. “I think it’s real big to be honest just because of how the media say I’m a bust and all of that stuff,” Austin said, via ESPN.com. “I really don’t pay too much attention to it but I know one thing about it is when I’m focused, I’m focused. It’s going to be a different story this year and we’ll see what happens when we get to the end of the year.”
Offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti stated that Austin has had a great offseason and expects him to have a great 2015 season. Lets hope that’s true because as of now, he is a bust. Nick Foles will give him opportunities to shine, so lets see it. But if not, we will continue to scrutinize him for all the right reasons.