Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Raymond Austin (Tennessee) - 1997 NFL Draft Pick #145 by NYJ

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Raymond Austin - 1997 NFL Draft

Position: Defensive Back
College: University of Tennessee

Overview

Raymond Austin was regarded as a versatile defensive back coming out of the University of Tennessee. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, he was a key contributor to the Vols' secondary.

Strengths

• Speed and Agility: Austin possessed exceptional speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly and stay with receivers in man-to-man coverage.
• Ball Skills: He demonstrated strong hands and an ability to track the ball, making him a threat for interceptions.
• Physicality: Despite his position, he was not afraid to support the run, making tackles in the open field.
• Football IQ: His understanding of the game and ability to read quarterbacks contributed to his effectiveness in coverage.

Weaknesses

• Size: At 5'10", some scouts questioned whether he had the size to compete against larger NFL receivers.
• Consistency: There were concerns about his ability to maintain high performance levels throughout an entire season.
• Injury History: Austin had a few minor injuries during his college career, raising red flags about his durability.

Projected Draft Range

Raymond Austin was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 1997 NFL Draft. Teams looking for depth in their secondary, particularly those that valued speed and coverage skills, showed interest in Austin.

Conclusion

Raymond Austin was seen as a potential steal in the draft if a team could capitalize on his athleticism and instincts. His ability to contribute on special teams also added to his value, making him an appealing option for teams looking to enhance their defensive backfield depth.