Tavon Austin scares me

[ramblinjim]

So I keep seeing many of the prognoticators saying that the Steelers will pick up Tavon Austin in the first round of the NFL draft to replace Mike Wallace. Ok, so let's say he steps in Day 1 and replaces Mike Wallace? That would be great and you can't argue with the reasoning. But there is just something to me that says a 5'9, 174 pound guy just isn't going to take the pounding that slot receivers tend to take.

Am I insane? I'd rather have Eifert. I also realize that this is why the Steeles don't ask me my opinion.

[Oviedo]

Austin would be a terrible Round 1 pick. He has great talent but you have to question his durability. Now if you wnated to trade up in Round 2 to grab him I'm OK for that.

[ramblinjim]

Alright, maybe I'm not just missing something after all. I saw one 'expert' had him as a top ten pick. I can only imagine Tayvon Austin doing a short middle of the field route and getting hit by Patrick Willis and then getting the dropsies for the rest of the season.

[supersteeler]

If I had to pick a WR from this class it would be Hopkins, he may not have the speed of Austin but would be more durable, but what I like about Hopkins he finds the end zone on a regular basis.

[steeler_fan_in_t.o.]

I want to get a big WR with body control a la Anquan Boldin. He and McKinnie were the two biggest reasons that the Ravens won the SB, and with the rules the way they are now, a Boldin type is the new prototype.

[Jooser]

Where are these durability questions coming from? In 4 years at WVU Austin never missed a game. Why? You can't get a solid lick on him. I'm not advocating for him in the first, but if it happened I wouldn't be too upset about it. He's be a day one contributor.

[Sugar]

Where are these durability questions coming from? In 4 years at WVU Austin never missed a game. Why? You can't get a solid lick on him. I'm not advocating for him in the first, but if it happened I wouldn't be too upset about it. He's be a day one contributor.

College guys can't get a solid lick on him. The NFL is a different animal altogether. I don't think that there is doubt about his talent, just that he'll get a taste of NFL speed and hitting and his body won't be able to take it.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Am I insane? I'd rather have Eifert. I also realize that this is why the Steeles don't ask me my opinion.

did u just seriously use Austin to start yet ANOTHER Eifert thread? LMAO

In any event, the team has bigger needs (than both positions) AND even Wallace himself wasn't a 1st rounder AND if the team is going to a possession offense, they might be better served looking for a guy who likes working the middle (are there any Hines clones in this draft?)

[blacknblue80s]

did u just seriously use Austin to start yet ANOTHER Eifert thread? LMAO

In any event, the team has bigger needs (than both positions) AND even Wallace himself wasn't a 1st rounder AND if the team is going to a possession offense, they might be better served looking for a guy who likes working the middle (are there any Hines clones in this draft?)

Quinton Patton is similar to Hines from what I've read and he's a round 2 prospect.

I personally would prefer Keenan Allen. After having to catch wild passes from his brother for 2 years, he is very good at going and getting the ball, which is an ability our other receivers have been lacking.

[Oviedo]

I want to get a big WR with body control a la Anquan Boldin. He and McKinnie were the two biggest reasons that the Ravens won the SB, and with the rules the way they are now, a Boldin type is the new prototype.

Sounds like you are describing Tyler Eifert, a "huge" "receiver" with great body control and the ability to overpower defenders.

[Mister Pittsburgh]

If we are getting a target for Ben to throw to, give me TE Tyler Eifert.....

Strengths

Very tough in a crowd, showing strong hands to make contested catches and a physical demeanor to come down with the ball in tight spaces. Tall, lean frame. Lines up with his hand down, in an H-back role, in the slot and outside. Threatens the seam with his long strides off the snap, takes a lot of hits across the middle and bounces up. Nice job gaining position in coverage with very good footwork, taking pride in his routes and showing much improvement in this area. Elevates well to go up and attack the ball, just needs an opportunity and chances are he’ll come down with it – very good at mid-air adjustments, making a lot of catches with his feet off the ground. Uses his height, length and strong hands to snatch passes out of the air. Flashes quick feet on out-cuts to be an effective safety valve. Fights through arm tackles to get extra yardage. Gets off the line effectively from a three-point stance, can shimmy past a defender near the line to get into his route. Gives effort as an in-line blocker, uses his length to hold off defensive ends, uses agility to get angle and create outside running lane. Also works hard to prevent defenders from reaching teammates downfield. Productive in his three seasons, leaving Notre Dame with just about every school receiving record for a TE including catches (140) and receiving yards (1,840).

[thor75]

Quinton Patton is similar to Hines from what I've read and he's a round 2 prospect.

I really like Patton and I hope the Steelers find a way to draft him in the second. If Austin is the pick, that gives us 3 smallish WRs. I know we have Plex but it would be nice to have a larger WR as one of the top 3. Although as I say this, Patton is 6' and 204 so he's not huge but is a very willing blocker as well as having good hands.

[steelz09]

I do NOT want anything to do with Austin in the 1st round.

[grotonsteel]

I would draft Tavon Austin in Rd 2 in a heart beat.

Not many 5'9" WRs are drafted in Rd 1. But with flag football played nowadays some team will roll the dice on Tavon Austin in Rd 1.

[SteelerOfDeVille]

Sounds like you are describing Tyler Eifert, a "huge" "receiver" with great body control and the ability to overpower defenders.

dude...

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