Vikings Message Board.Com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T3_UNFZHSQU


A little break from the free agent frenzy that has found its way upon us today. Quite a few people have been talking about this kid. I'm sure most of you have seen the highlight reel. If you haven't, click the link above.

This guy really does seem like a Percy Harvin 2.0. He runs the ball, catches the ball, and is a good returner as well. Hight/Weight/Speed all look scary similar to Percy. With two first round picks you have to think the Vikings will be going after this guy (assuming they sign a big wo via FA).

I haven't heard much about this kids attitude and if hes had any off field issues. Is he a head case like Percy? Either way I think he would be a great fit for the Purp.

Thoughts?

I've seen Austin play enough to say that he's immensely talented. OTOH, he doesn't handle contact as well as Harvin and isn't nearly as physical. While some will say that might help Austin remain healthy, keep in mind it will also restrict his plays in the NFL.

Bottom line, would I be happy if the Vikings drafted him? You bet.

But I can think of other WRs that are taller, still very fast, and can play wide out that I'd want the Vikings to draft as well.

GBFavreFan wrote:I've thought about us getting a Percy "type" but it might just be the case of getting dumped by a redhead and then going out and dating a redhead, but who's not as pretty.

I don't believe a Percy "role" is key to our offense and we were just using what we had and also Percy is too hard to duplicate. I'd rather get a reliable possession type, or that big tall big play WR we've been missing for a while.

The "Percy role" had to do with Harvin's specific skill set, which is formidable.

The Vikings could get another slot receiver or utilize Jarius Wright in that position. It's not the same as having Harvin, but each player hopefully adds their own signature to the game. Harvin certainly does and that's why he's one of the best offensive machines in the NFL.

As for the possession guy or big tall WR, I agree. The Vikings also need more downfield help from the wide out positions.

Looks impressive. His acceleration reminds me of how AP can get to top speed in a split second right after a cut or two.

Really small dude though, which is worrisome.

Don't pull another Troy Williamson. Percy Harvin is gone. Thinking that you can immediately replace him with someone else in the draft would be the height of foolishness.

Agreed, He may be very good, maybe even good enough to make us go "Percy who?" every once in a while but to say he'll come in BETTER or equal to percy is silly. There is no way around it, in the short term our talent has taken a hit. And no draft pick is going to bridge the whole gap in a year

Purplemania wrote:Before the draft, I was digging Austin. Now, still digging him but I think he's a becoming overrated. Some mocks have him top 16-18, which I don't know if he should be. I highly doubt he'd fall to #23 anymore.

As with Cordarelle Patterson, writers are thinking that everyone is searching for that big playmaker. If more than two WRs go in this draft before #23, then it will mean that there is going to be some _insane_ talent available to the Vikings, most likely on the defensive side.

I dont even think he is as good as wright. He isnt that much faster is he? I thught he was slower then Simpson supposedly is fast.

PurpleKoolaid wrote:I dont even think he is as good as wright. He isnt that much faster is he? I thught he was slower then Simpson supposedly is fast.

Tavon Austin 40: 4.34 (unofficial 4.25)
Jarius Wright 40: 4.39
Percy Harvin 40: 4.41
Jerome Simpson 40: 4.47

He's very talented for sure, but not built like Percy and expecting him to be at Percy's level isn't fair. I can see Austin as a perfect complementary player for a team with a legit #1 WR.

I would put him as not quite as good as Percy, but better than Wright. Closer to Percy's side.

Purplemania wrote: Yup. That's what I'm counting on- good defensive players falling to us. I also expect a domino effect- WR's going early means teams may reach for WR's too…hopefully not us.

Well, the Vikings sure as hell better do something because they're going to need better WRs for this team. Hopefully, some receiver with play-making ability falls to them.

PacificNorseWest wrote:He's very talented for sure, but not built like Percy and expecting him to be at Percy's level isn't fair. I can see Austin as a perfect complementary player for a team with a legit #1 WR.

I would put him as not quite as good as Percy, but better than Wright. Closer to Percy's side.

Austin isn't built like Percy, but who is?

Besides, what Austin brings to the field is still enough to force defenses to play him a certain way. Austin's speed and YAC ability mean he's going to be a threat and if he's used wisely his presence should help open things up for both Ponder and AD.

The main reason I like Austin isn't even as a WR - I like what he brings to the return game. I really think he can step on the field next year as a returner in both the punt and kickoff games and have an immediate impact while he learns the nuances of being a pro receiver. #23 or #25 might be a bit high to take a guy who probably won't be an immediate impact player in the passing game, but if the Vikes are looking for impact with that pick, Austin could provide that punch.

I'm beginning to suspect Spielman will make a play to move up for either Patterson or Ogletree. If Patterson falls to the Rams at #16 I could see Spielman making a move there. I could also see Spielman trying to jump in front of Chicago to #19 to take Ogletree in the event that Patterson comes off the board before #16. The way things are starting to shape up it appears Patterson may indeed make it out of the first half of Round 1, so this is becoming a realistic scenario now that the Vikes have 2 1st rounders.

I'd be very surprised if the Vikes used a #1 on Austin when a similar type of slot guy can be targeted later. They ptobably get one of the three top WR's Allen or Patterson, then draft the best of what we need on defense, then draft another WR in the 2nd or 3rd, probably the 3rd. But the 2nd WR changes if we get Jennings, and from what I've read, that deadline is for midnight tonight. Jennings may just be the type and situation the Vikes would be willing to pay for.