Tavon Austin did what everyone expected him to do at the combine: run a fast time in the 40-yard dash. Marquise Goodwin did as well. Not that anyone should be surprised considering scouts and executives -- and anyone who watched them play -- knew how fast both players are.
Still, it makes both players tempting for any team, especially the Redskins. In their offense, there's always a need for multidimensional players such as these two. Both are just under 5-foot-9, and both can play in the slot and even be used on handoffs.
West Virginia's Austin (4.34 in the 40-yard dash) was more productive in college, a byproduct of play-calling and scheme perhaps.
"He's special when he gets the ball in his hands," said ex-NFL scout Russ Lande, now the draft analyst for National Football Post. "He reminds me of DeSean Jackson. He can change games."
Goodwin (4.27) never caught more than 33 passes in a season. He finished with just 10 touchdowns from scrimmage in four years (seven receiving, three rushing). Was that because of him? Or because he was used improperly or not enough or played with a bad quarterback? Or all of the above? The NFL needs to find out. Then he must hope he's drafted by a team that knows how to use him.
"He needs to be a return guy. The production wasn't great," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. "I like what he did at the Senior Bowl. The Senior Bowl helped him more than [the combine] did."
That's because coaches got a chance to see him play up close. That matters more than a fast time.
- John Keim
Next Story
