Bills signing Tavon Austin

[The Jokeman]

5 minutes ago, Mango said:

 

I am still holding out hope for the 2020 Isaiah Hogins to get healthy and make the roster

 

Hodgins was a slot guy in college and was a size mismatch, his biggest issue in the NFL will be speed and while 40 time doesn't matter but speed and separation do count for that and not sure how much he'll have. 

[freddyjj]

22 minutes ago, Mango said:

Makensi (Slot)

Lil Dirty is Slavic? 😎

[The Firebaugh Kid]

Stevenson runs so upright, it gives me a cringy form of indescribable anxiety watching that dude return kicks. 

Hopefully Austin sticks. 

[TampaBillsJunkie]

It's all about creating competition. May the best man win.

[NewEra]

5 hours ago, Chandler#81 said:

Yes, but we’re not deep at WR and we’re broke. So…🤷‍♂️

Probably just wait and see how these guys do.  If someone gets hurt, restructure someone’s contract if there’s still anyone worthwhile available.  

[ddaryl]

39 minutes ago, Tom Donahoe, GM said:

Diggs (Outside)

Davis (Outside)

Crowder (Slot)

Makensi (Slot)

Shakir (Outside/KR/PR)

Kumerow (Outside/ST)

Austin (KR/PR/Slot)

 

7 guys. Done.

It took me awhile to figure out who Makensi is...LOL

At 1st I asking myself when did we sign Makensi

[Mango]

24 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

Hodgins was a slot guy in college and was a size mismatch, his biggest issue in the NFL will be speed and while 40 time doesn't matter but speed and separation do count for that and not sure how much he'll have. 

 

Only like 25% of his college catches came from the slot. Because of his size and hands, he can certainly work inside and that is most certainly a value add. But I don't think he is a slot receiver in the traditional sense that a guy like Beasley was. He isn't a guy that will line up 85% of the time inside. IMO he is the perfect guy to be your 3rd or 4th outside WR and also be able to kick inside in certain packages and situations. 

I am being sort of sarcastic about Hodgins in general because he did have one great camp before he caught the injury bug. But also I really don't love our depth on the outside and would love somebody to be better than Kumerow. Also we will have to get pretty good at developing WR in the draft with the Allen and Diggs contracts. 

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

Tavon Austin’s college highlights are on par w/ Reggie Bush. Some of the best I’ve ever seen. Too bad it’s never translated.

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, Tom Donahoe, GM said:

Diggs (Outside)

Davis (Outside)

Crowder (Slot)

Makensi (Slot)

Shakir (Outside/KR/PR)

Kumerow (Outside/ST)

Austin (KR/PR/Slot)

 

7 guys. Done.

Why list Shakir as outside/KR/PR and not slot?  

 

His best position is Slot.  While he’s currently our 3rd best outside WR (because we don’t have any other true outside guys that don’t suck) and we already have 2 slot WRs but he’s likely to be our starting slot WR in 2023 and still has to prove he can play the outside in the nfl.  I think he can pull it off, but adding a true outside guy would be smart.  

[extrahammer]

We just need one more WR.... OBJ. 😎🍺⚡ Happy Friday folks!

[Steve O]

9 hours ago, Poleshifter said:

Didn't the Bills trade that #10 pick to the Rams? Traded down to #13 and took EJ Manuel.

 

The extra 2nd round pick brought Robert Woods - or was it Kiko?

 

Rams traded up to the Bills spot at 8 to get Austin,  Bills got EJ, think it was at 15 or 16, then took Kiko with the Rams second round pick and Woods with their own 

[TampaBillsJunkie]

37 minutes ago, ddaryl said:

It took me awhile to figure out who Makensi is...LOL

At 1st I asking myself when did we sign Makensi

 

Isn't that McKittrick? 

[Logic]

As others have pointed out, we continue to be shallow at outside WR. If Diggs or Davis go down, we’ll be pushing a slot guy (McKenzie, Shakir) to the outside.

 

At this point, I’m not sure much can be done about it. I’ve repeatedly suggested that TY Hilton would be a good addition. Not only would he provide outside depth, he would also add a downfield speed dimension that could help this offense. It would certainly seem that the Bills won’t be adding Hilton. Other than him, who’s still out there?

 

Just cross your fingers on Diggs and Davis staying healthy, I guess.

[Slippery Rubber Mats]

40 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Why list Shakir as outside/KR/PR and not slot?  

 

His best position is Slot.  While he’s currently our 3rd best outside WR (because we don’t have any other true outside guys that don’t suck) and we already have 2 slot WRs but he’s likely to be our starting slot WR in 2023 and still has to prove he can play the outside in the nfl.  I think he can pull it off, but adding a true outside guy would be smart.  

 

Seems to be a logjam there, and if there was an injury to Davis or Diggs I'd say he would be the guy before Kumerow

[wppete]

1 hour ago, freddyjj said:

Lil Dirty is Slavic? 😎

Please explain!?!?

[TheBrownBear]

I was initially excited by Stevenson based on his college tape, but man, what a stiff he's turned out to be.  Beane has been great at drafting "football players", but he definitely whiffed on this one.  

[TheyCallMeAndy]

2 minutes ago, TheBrownBear said:

I was initially excited by Stevenson based on his college tape, but man, what a stiff he's turned out to be.  Beane has been great at drafting "football players", but he definitely whiffed on this one.  

Wasn’t he a 6th rounder? 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

Why are people having such extreme reactions to this signing? It’s not worth much discussion. 
 

But it is June so I guess boredom is kicking in.

[Norcalbillsfan]

14 hours ago, Mr. WEO said:

So he went with the 32 year old journeyman for this?

I'm just trying to make sense of it, that's all he brings to the table is speed and experience so dorsey obviously wants more speed options. I don't see him making the 53 but dorsey must want speed enough to kick the tires on Austin.

[HappyDays]

 

[TheBrownBear]

I guess just a camp body, but he can definitely fill the PR role better than anyone we have on our roster.  Apparently, his stats don't tell the whole story as Rams fans think he was hosed by playing for Fisher and a bunch of his electric plays were called back because of penalties.  Here's the highlights: https://youtu.be/EJvZUVnI9dg

 

16 minutes ago, TheyCallMeAndy said:

Wasn’t he a 6th rounder? 

Yeah, he was a lottery ticket for sure, and I don't really hold it against Beane or anything, but I'm sure he could have found some value there at that pick as he's done in the past.

[Mr. WEO]

3 hours ago, Sammy Watkins' Rib said:

PR

 

Does the NFL know this?  He's returned 22 punts in the past 3 years.

 

3 hours ago, Awwufelloff said:

He ran a 4.34 40 time. 

 

In what year?

[Rocky Landing]

13 hours ago, newcam2012 said:

This signing just proves that the Bills have no legitimate return guy. I doubt Austin has much to contribute. He pretty much sucked in his prime so why would anyone expect a decent Austin now? The pick up is just ho hum for me. 

I basically disagree with this. But, I do think that this signing shows that the Bills have obviously not decided on a P/KR, and that they plan on a serious competition for the position.

 

I also think Austin is being a bit underrated in this thread. He certainly never lived up to his first round hype, but he did have occasional play-making ability, and great speed. And as far as being a vet-presence, at least in the return game, he has more experience as a P/KR than anyone else on the team. Crowder is second. But, if they have plans for Crowder in the slot, maybe he isn't as involved in the P/KR competition? Could Austin's vet experience in the return game be a help to someone like Khalil Shakir? I would think so.

[Cheektowaga Chad]

Is the extended practice squad still a thing?

 

If so he could be a solid guy to have there to be a back up gadget/speed/shifty type player if McKenzie is ever out 

[Mr. WEO]

39 minutes ago, Norcalbillsfan said:

I'm just trying to make sense of it, that's all he brings to the table is speed and experience so dorsey obviously wants more speed options. I don't see him making the 53 but dorsey must want speed enough to kick the tires on Austin.

 

Maybe.  Hard to believe he has that speed anymore.  3 different teams in the past 4 years have found very little for him to do--all 3 having quickly let him go.

 

 

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, Tom Donahoe, GM said:

 

Seems to be a logjam there, and if there was an injury to Davis or Diggs I'd say he would be the guy before Kumerow

I’m not saying you should’ve excluded him from “outside”, but instead add him to slot.  He’s our most versatile WR (minus Diggs) and will likely be doing a bit of everything.  

[Awwufelloff]

24 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Does the NFL know this?  He's returned 22 punts in the past 3 years.

 

 

In what year?

2013

[hondo in seattle]

This is a zero-risk, kick-the-tires signing of a guy once had some talent and a bit of speed.  

 

I doubt if Austin will amount to much but I like that Beane is still out in the lake fishing.

[SCBills]

Even if this signing is simply to push Stevenson/Hodgins etc., I like it. 
 

Makes me think we are open to keeping 7 WR’s.. 

 

Diggs, Davis, Crowder, McKenzie and Shakir are likely locks. 
 

Kumerow seems pretty safe as WR6/ST

 

We have next to zero reliable depth on the outside… if Austin can show out, or push Stevenson, that’s a win in my book.  
 

That said, Austin isn’t exactly a pure outside WR either, so I’m still kind of lost at the roster construction of the WR room.

 

 

Edited June 3, 2022 by SCBills

[Big Turk]

low risk signing that could be a nice addition if he is able to return to form as a returner...definitely adds more speed. Likely comes down to him versus Stevenson as WR6. His return stats don't really stand out tho...he is just average if not below average in that regard.

 

Edited June 3, 2022 by Big Turk

[Sammy Watkins' Rib]

1 hour ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Does the NFL know this?  He's returned 22 punts in the past 3 years.

 

 

It seems you are arguing just to argue. 

 

Whether or not the guy is capable anymore is not my point. But I don't think it is debatable that for his entire career he has been known and used as a punt return specialist more so than a receiving threat. And that includes even recently. From 2017 to 2020, a four year span, he had more punt returns (42) than he did receptions (39).  The year prior in 2016 he lead the league in punt returns with 44. In 2014 he had four more punt returns (35) than he had receptions (31). For his career he has 244 receptions to 190 punt returns. That's not a very big spread. So yes, teams see him as a punt return guy rather than a WR. Last year was the first time in his career he had substantially more receptions than punt returns in terms of percentage difference between the two.

Edited June 3, 2022 by Sammy Watkins' Rib

[Big Turk]

1 hour ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Does the NFL know this?  He's returned 22 punts in the past 3 years.

 

 

In what year?

 

He has, and he honestly isn't very good at it.

[Nextmanup]

3 hours ago, ChronicAndKnuckles said:

Tavon Austin’s college highlights are on par w/ Reggie Bush. Some of the best I’ve ever seen. Too bad it’s never translated.

His entire career has been a disappointment, especially if you factor in where he was drafted.

This guy went 8th overall!
 

 

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

1 minute ago, Nextmanup said:

His entire career has been a disappointment, especially if you factor in where he was drafted.

This guy went 8th overall!
 

 

I remember quite well. It’s the year we took EJ Manuel another disappointment.

[Big Turk]

2 hours ago, TheBrownBear said:

I guess just a camp body, but he can definitely fill the PR role better than anyone we have on our roster.  Apparently, his stats don't tell the whole story as Rams fans think he was hosed by playing for Fisher and a bunch of his electric plays were called back because of penalties.  Here's the highlights: https://youtu.be/EJvZUVnI9dg

 

Yeah, he was a lottery ticket for sure, and I don't really hold it against Beane or anything, but I'm sure he could have found some value there at that pick as he's done in the past.

 

Based on what? He is not very productive on punt returns in his career, averaging only 7.8 Yards per return and in the last 3 years that number has dropped under 4.5 per return.

 

The first number is meh...good punt returners are consistently over 10 yards per return, and the second is dreadful. He had one good year averaging 11.2 yards per return in his second season and the rest have been average or worse.

Edited June 3, 2022 by Big Turk

[AuntieEm]

2 hours ago, Rocky Landing said:

I basically disagree with this. But, I do think that this signing shows that the Bills have obviously not decided on a P/KR, and that they plan on a serious competition for the position.

 

I also think Austin is being a bit underrated in this thread. He certainly never lived up to his first round hype, but he did have occasional play-making ability, and great speed. And as far as being a vet-presence, at least in the return game, he has more experience as a P/KR than anyone else on the team. Crowder is second. But, if they have plans for Crowder in the slot, maybe he isn't as involved in the P/KR competition? Could Austin's vet experience in the return game be a help to someone like Khalil Shakir? I would think so.

 

Also if tavon still has his speed and if he clicks with Allen and the other wrs.  After John Brown and Sanders both seemed to wear out after playing with JA I kinda lean toward he gets new toys and since he does use them all he does break some.  So it doesn't hurt to have Crowder, Mckenzie, Austin and Shakir all bring speedster they could rotate the vets on/off the ps with the increase in vets they can sign to it.  If one gets dinged up they can be inactivated while they heal and bring up an equally capable speedster.

 

 

 

Edited June 3, 2022 by AuntieEm

[Big Turk]

2 hours ago, Cheektowaga Chad said:

Is the extended practice squad still a thing?

 

If so he could be a solid guy to have there to be a back up gadget/speed/shifty type player if McKenzie is ever out 

 

It is and they expanded it from 12 to 16 going forward and now allow 6 players to have no restrictions on them in terms of years in the league, etc

 

[babulator]

I like this signing. It certainly doesn't hurt us and we could use a good return man. If his wheels still spin up to speed then come be the best version of himself and earn a spot! I like it.

[ddaryl]

5 hours ago, TampaBillsJunkie said:

 

Isn't that McKittrick? 

I though he meant McKenzie

[TheBrownBear]

1 hour ago, Big Turk said:

 

Based on what? He is not very productive on punt returns in his career, averaging only 7.8 Yards per return and in the last 3 years that number has dropped under 4.5 per return.

 

The first number is meh...good punt returners are consistently over 10 yards per return, and the second is dreadful. He had one good year averaging 11.2 yards per return in his second season and the rest have been average or worse.

So, you're a "stat scout"? Got it.

 

I don't know if he has anything left, but he's been perennially injured and seems to have been the recipient of serial bad luck with penalties negating his big plays.  There's a ton of articles out there about it dating back to his rookie season (like the one linked here discussing his returns in a 2019 Wild Card game - one of which was an 80 yard score called back due to penalty https://theathletic.com/755119/2019/01/08/tavon-austin-prepares-to-return-to-la-where-the-hurt-is-almost-gone/ or this one explaining his extension in 2016 which references 3 or 4 TD returns called back https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2016/08/29/jeff-fisher-tavon-austin-was-paid-based-on-anticipation-of-what-hes-going-to-do/).  Rams fans also seem to think he was misused and unlucky vs. viewing him as a bust.  Watch his NFL film - he has good PR instincts and could fill the role for the Bills assuming he's healthy.

Edited June 3, 2022 by TheBrownBear