Agreed - whole heartily. Draft him and don't look back. I'm a WVU grad/homer for them, but unless Geno Smith is sitting there - you need to jump on Tavon. He brings that Percy Harvin element that really opens up the rest of the Offense.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/tavon-austin?id=2539336 5'8" & 175 pounds. NO way. If Kerley wasn't on the team, I'd be interested in picking him up & putting him @ slot though. Not the best choice for Jets to use their 1st rounder.
A 5th round pick should not stop you from drafting one of the most dynamic players in college football.
Not at 9. In the 20s? Yeah sure. He'll be a great player for us, and we make sure the Patriots don't get him, which I can see happening.
I'm actually think he may be the target at nine at this point. With Jordan and Ansah off the board your left with jones and his one issue, Werner and Moore, both whom are high motor guys but not world class athletes. Austin is not only a burner, but has displayed every thing you want in a receiver. Sure he's small, but a WCO needs guys that can make plays after the catch. Austin can do that, big time. I've seen Patterson mocked to us a lot, but he is too much like hill, tons of upside but raw in route running and has hands/concentration issues. I would not be shocked, or at all upset to hear Austin's name in April.
The Jets need a dynamic home run hitter in the worst way imaginable. If the Jets "reach" at 9 for Austin, I'll be feeling quite good about our first round.
I love the quotes around reach in your post and agree completely. The thing about people saying yes at 20 but no at nine is silly. At that point your placing an artificial value over effectiveness as a football player. If you think Austin can be a game changer you take him when you can. The staff reportedly loved Harvin in his draft year and I see a lot of the same qualities in Tevon.
Even after the Hartline re-signing? Seems like you guys need some size, not more little fast guys. Patterson could be a great fit.
I think the Pats are the ones to keep an eye on here. I don't know why, but I have a funny feeling that WW will end up elsewhere. If the Pats really wanted to get this thing done, it would have been done by now (or like, 2009 for that matter). Letting Wes walk and grabbing Austin would allow them to spend $$ on their anemic defense.
Honestly...I didn't mean with the #9 pick, but I would love for Jets to get him somewhere. Maybe they can trade down. The only player I like @9 is Dion Jordan, if he' gone....I say trade down, try to get Austin & draft a OLB in 2nd round or late 1st round...depending on how picks go. But he is a franchise offensive player. Then couple that with signing Reggie Bush....Jets offense just got 1000% improved & dynamic. Amazing how by just adding these 2 players, upgrades the entire offense. Also sign TE Kevin Boss as blocking TE & maybe resign Keller; fix OL & Jets are ready for take-off. Jets Playmakers: WR Santana Holmes, Braylon Edwards, Kersey, Hill. Tavon Austin WR,RB, PR, KR, Reggie Bush RB, Ahmad Bradshaw or Chris Ivory, Felix Jones or Rashad Mensenhall ??? Jets have a real opportunity to really bring in some playmakers & improve offense. Actually...re-reading this post before I post it, I see that Tavon Austin is a perfect choice....even at #9, when coupled with there present roster & additional F.A.'s. He makes all the other players around him more dangerous. He can be lined up in the backfield or in the slot. He's a nightmare for the defense wherever he's lined up.
I understand the hesitation with a small gimmick WR at #9 - and I agree I would WANT to trade down and get him - but that goes for any player I pick. He is an ELITE game changing talent. I believe he would be the perfect addition to our offense, and the Harvin comparisons and love from the Jets org does exist. If Moore/Jordan/Geno aren't there - I say take him. While I love Warmack - he doesn't put people in the seats so to speak, which could be huge for us, especially if we trade Revis.
Which is it? Do you feel he is a gimick player or an elite game changing talent. Just becasue a player is small, does not mean they can only play one position as a receiver or must not be a full time player. There is not a faster, more elusive player in the draft. This is in a draft where there is no Elite talent like AJ Green, Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson ect. Hell there is not even a Justin Blackmon type available. Austin has the ability to be a big playmaker. If you fell he can make game chaning plays, do you risk missing out on that for a few spots of "value"
I'm not saying that I feel that he is a "gimmick" WR - I'm saying that I understand the thoughts people have accompanying him. I saw every one of his collegiate games as a WVU alum/fan/season ticket holder, he is elite.
