In my opinion, Tavon Austin is going to be the unanimous winner of the 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. He is a logistical and matchup nightmare for defenses.
Part of the reason why I want the Cardinals to draft him is that I worry the Rams or Seahawks will draft him, or that the 49ers trade up to draft him.
The combo of Russell Wilson and Tavon Austin would imo make Seattle the favorite to win the NFC West.
I understand the concerns about size---but, TA is so quick and smart, he doesn't take any hard shots, which is where his size and speed are actually an advantage rather than a disadvantage.
That doesn't mean he lacks toughness---he is about as mentally sharp and tough as it gets. But he's intelligent enough to protect himself, as in ducking out of bounds rather than absorb a big sideline hit.
The thing about TA is his COMBINATION of speed and quickness---it's unlike any player I've seen in all the years I have been studying college WRs. I think Todd McShay said the same thing---although he's not my favorite draft guru. But sometimes he gets it right and I think with TA he has it completely right.
I get the "oh not another WR" lament as well, however, there is no one on the roster that has the skill set that TA has---not even close. He would take so much of the attention off of Fitz when he lines up to Fitz's side. Teams feel like they can handle Roberts and Doucet in the slot---but TA would be a whole different dynamic.
Plus, he's like the queen on the chessboard---teams would have to key on where he lines up and he would be the best reverse threat we've ever had, and he can run the ball several times a game. The key is getting the ball in his hands 10-14 times a game.
I think he is more talented than Wes Welker or Percy Harvin...and he's certainly more versatile.
When I read these mock that have him going to the Rams or Seahawks, I cringe. What he would do for those offenses is open the whole thing up and make it instantly more dynamic and electric.
I also believe that this draft is deep enough at other need areas that we can come out of the first five rounds with 5 very good players:
And if we trade down a few, like to the Chargers and pick up an extra third, it would be 6 very good players, like this:
1. Tavon Austin, WR, West Virginia.
2. Barrett Jones, G/C, Alabama.
3. Khaseem Green, LB, Rutgers.
3. John Simon, LB, Ohio St.
4. Mike Gilleslee, RB, Florida.
5. David Quessenberry, T/G, San Jose St.
6. Duke Williams, S, Nevada.
6. Broderick Brown, CB, Oklahoma St.
