Draft Analysis: Calvin Austin

April 5, 2022 /
  • Height: 5’8″
  • Weight: 170lbs
  • College: Memphis
  • Tape watched: Miss State, Houston, UCF 2021 + 2020, SMU 2020
  • NFL Comparison: Deonte Harris

Pros

  • Explosiveness
    Size ignored, Austin landed in the 96th percentile in the 40 yard dash (4.32s) and the broad jump (135″). His explosion and ability to move quickly is near elite. He also posted great numbers in the 20 yard shuttle (4.07s), the vertical jump (39″), and 10 yard split (1.5s). His testing numbers only confirm what his tape shows. He is the most dynamic player on any field he touches. Able to disappear at the drop of a hat. His release and route cuts are sudden and he snaps in and out of breaks easily.
  • Release
    Some say smaller and weaker receivers struggle in most instances against press coverage. In my opinion, it can be greatly beneficial to have the size and skill of Calvin Austin. It is much harder to get leverage in press against someone greatly undersized. Pair that with the agility, acceleration, and explosiveness of Austin and the job becomes near impossible.

Midline

  • Hands
    Austin made some plays outside of his frame at Memphis. He shows decent hands and the ability to track the football. He does resort to body catches near contact, and balls have found their way to the ground after hits.
  • RAC
    So much good, but so much bad with Calvin Austin. It all depends on the amount of time and space given to Austin that determines what you get. If he is able to catch the football in space, good luck getting your hands on him and downing the football. If a defender is trailing or he has no angles, he rarely gets more yardage. He has virtually zero stopping power with the football.

Cons

  • Catch Radius
    The list of receivers that match Calvin Austin’s height, weight, and arm/hand size that have made NFL impacts is a short one. History isn’t kind with injuries, and offensive production to these receivers. Quarterbacks will have to throw a nice deep ball, and have exceptional accuracy to accommodate the small catch radius that Austin possesses.
A perfect throw to anyone that isn’t Calvin Austin. It can’t be understated the change a QB will need to make when building a report with Austin.
  • Usage
    The team that drafts Austin needs to commit to him on both kick and punt return, and developing fast ways to get him the football on offense. Give the man space and enjoy the show, otherwise, Austin could be phased out of football quickly.

Overview

Calvin Austin may be one of the few vastly undersized receivers that makes an impact for an NFL team. He has all of the physical tools to be an elite quick-strike threat. He can run by defenders, or catch the ball and make them miss on his way to the endzone. He has sturdy enough hands, but a very small catch zone. He should boost special teams units similar to the way Jamal Agnew does. Injuries and practicality in offenses will be the deciding factor in Austin’s NFL career.