Tavon Austin will be a star in L.A. if he meets Jeff Fisher’s lofty expectations.
Austin caught a career-high 52 passes in 2015, but the Rams head coach told the team’s website that if opposing defenses focus on stopping running back Todd Gurley it would give Austin a chance to double that reception total in 2016. That means Austin would surpass 100 receptions.
Are you listening, fantasy owners?
Defenses figure to have their hands full stopping Gurley, the 2015 Offensive Rookie of the Year. But Austin’s impact also depends a lot on how quickly Jared Goff develops.
The 5’8″, 176-pound Austin would help salvage the 2013 draft class if Fisher’s belief in him is warranted. He was drafted eighth overall and has 123 receptions in his first three seasons. The top 10 of that draft also includes disappointments such as Dion Jordan, Barkevious Mingo, Jonathan Cooper and Dee Milliner.
If Austin comes anywhere near the century mark in receptions, he would join Ziggy Ansah as the clear-cut stars from the top 10 of the 2013 draft.
