Weaknesses:
Summary: Marvin Austin has ability commensurate with a top-15 pick. However, linemen with questionable motivation are tough to gamble on in the NFL Draft. Austin is a former top recruit as a prep and had an opportunity to cement his draft stock with a solid 2010 campaign. Instead he was suspended for the entire season for improper contact with an agent and was considered the central culprit in the scandal that cost the Tar Heels several players.
The time off is going to cloud Austin’s evaluation. On the field he is a terror. With his speed, he can run down running backs and get after quarterbacks. There is a lot to like, and the reward could outweigh the risk at the end of the first round or early in the second.
Player Comparison: Tank Johnson. The common thread here is obviously lack of motivation. When these players have their foot on the pedal, good things happen. Unfortunately that is not often enough. Johnson gets some sacks and plays the run well just like Austin profiles as a pro. There is also a weapons theme here. Austin likes guns. Just look at his Twitter feed. Guns and tanks go together right?
RELATED LINKS:
2011 NFL Mock Draft: Greg’s | Walt’s
2011 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings
2011 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
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