Every single year, expectations are high for Los Angeles Rams receiver Tavon Austin, the former No. 8 overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft.
This year is no different. Head coach Jeff Fisher, speaking with Rams reporter Dani Klupenger, said he could see Austin’s production double in the passing game this upcoming season.
“When it’s all said and done, we’re going to look back and, I think, see Tavon maybe doubling the number of catches he had last year,” Fisher said.
It’s worth noting that Austin’s 52 catches last season were a career high. His previous best came in his rookie campaign, when he hauled in 40 passes. It’s a huge leap in logic to assume he’ll suddenly become a 100-catch receiver this year, especially with a rookie quarterback coming in, and considering LA will likely be a run-first team behind the efforts of Todd Gurley.
Even if he doesn’t sniff 100 catches, Austin can be a boon for Jared Goff this year, though. If the two can develop some early chemistry, then it’s conceivable Austin could develop into a security blanket of sorts in the slot, which would inevitably lead to big production.
Still, until we see him hauling in passes on a regular basis, any notion of Austin hitting the century mark this upcoming season seems a bit far-fetched.