When the Rams traded up to take West Virginia’s Tavon Austin with the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft, the only question was what his primary role would be in St. Louis: Will he be their No. 1 receiver? Take handoffs out of the backfield? Handle punt and kickoff returns?
Rams coach Jeff Fisher would love the answer to be all of the above.
“We’re going to try to get the ball to him as often as we can, however we do that,” Fisher said.
The Rams see Austin as a uniquely talented player, a player who has such versatility that he could be the Rams’ leading receiver in one game, their leading rusher in another game, and score a touchdown on special teams in another game.
“He’s very talented. We drafted him because he’s got receiver skills, run skills, return skills. We think we can use him in all those areas,” Fisher said.
We currently have Austin projected for 77-953-4.6 receiving and 19-102 in the running game. Keep in mind that only six receivers have caught more than 70 passes in their rookie season.
