Mailbag-Style Burning Questions

[farfromforgotten]

Originally Posted by phlysac

He also drafted AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James at #1 and #2. I don't think he has a pattern other than following his own rules.

I think our biggest need going into last years draft was finding offensive play makers. So... I think that should still be considered drafting by need as 87 mentioned with the 10' and 11' drafts.

[Nastradamus]

Originally Posted by phlysac

He also drafted AJ Jenkins and LaMichael James at #1 and #2. I don't think he has a pattern other than following his own rules.

and explosive offensive playmakers was their biggest need last year. I don't see them going WR this year. They got BOldin and they kept Manningham. They have Crab,Boldin,Jenkins,Manningham and Williams. They might bring in a guy late, but a TE is more likely with Walker leaving.

edit - looks like I was beaten to the punch.

[descendency]

Originally Posted by farfromforgotten

I'm not sure any NFL team believes this. Fans? Maybe. I've watched him his whole career and I don't believe they compare much. Tavon Austin is Tavon Austin.

Tavon Austin is DeSean Jackson but more suited to be a slot WR than an X.

I thought I had commented on Amerson. He's got the physical talent (he has talent+) but he definitely doesn't seem to have the mental side of the game.

He has admitted he didn't early in his career, but I have a feeling it's still going on. He just looks lost at times. Buyer beware.

[San Diego Chicken]

I loved watching Austin play in college but I don't know about him as a first rounder. I'm thinking he's more Eddie Royal of Eric Metcalf than Jackson or Harvin. He'll always have a job on special teams but I don't think he's a WR fit for every offense, although in the right one, he could explode.

[nobodyinparticular]

Originally Posted by San Diego Chicken

I loved watching Austin play in college but I don't know about him as a first rounder. I'm thinking he's more Eddie Royal of Eric Metcalf than Jackson or Harvin. He'll always have a job on special teams but I don't think he's a WR fit for every offense, although in the right one, he could explode.

Austin seems to be much more of a playmaker than Eddie Royal every was. Austin can play as a vertical threat and Royal never really gets open deep. And I think he just has better shakes and speed in the open field than Royal.

[JT Jag]

Originally Posted by farfromforgotten

I'm not sure any NFL team believes this. Fans? Maybe. I've watched him his whole career and I don't believe they compare much. Tavon Austin is Tavon Austin.

Well, if front offices have really done their research and understand that Tavon Austin is Tavon Austin, then he'll be drafted no earlier than the late first. But if someone falls in love with him and thinks he's more than he is, and goodness knows not all front offices are necessarily stocked with geniuses, then someone will reach for him early thinking he can be a franchise wide receiver despite his lack of size and the fact that he wasn't even the #1 guy at West Virginia and they'll regret it.

Originally Posted by San Diego Chicken

I'm thinking he's more Eddie Royal of Eric Metcalf than Jackson or Harvin.

These are comparisons I like.

[San Diego Chicken]

Originally Posted by nobodyinparticular

Austin seems to be much more of a playmaker than Eddie Royal every was. Austin can play as a vertical threat and Royal never really gets open deep. And I think he just has better shakes and speed in the open field than Royal.

I just don't see Austin ever playing outside. I wouldn't take someone who can't play outside in round 1. He's a mismatch guy who you move around the field, not someone who you expect to beat #1 corners in man coverage.

Love Tavon but I wouldn't take him over Patterson if you need speed and playmaking ability because at least he profiles as a potential #1.

[thetedginnshow]

Despite what he times at, he doesn't appear to me to have the deep speed to be a burner in the mold of Jackson. Even though he was mostly lined up against linebackers and safeties, he wasn't really getting separation against guys. However, once the ball is his hands, he's electric in the open field. For him to really return on the investment of a top-15 pick, he'd have to get in the right situation, or it'll end up much like what happened for Dexter McCluster (who I know didn't go top-15, but he's also not the talent Austin is). I think though, considering his hands, his mental make-up, and his elite quickness, he'll be successful, especially if he goes to the Jets.