Calvin Austin III, Memphis
Bears fans may have some unwanted flashbacks of the last time they selected a Memphis wide receiver in the NFL Draft, an honor that belongs to none other than Anthony Miller. While he failed to live up to expectations as a second round pick, Austin provides a small, yet shifty presence down field having lit up stat sheets the last two years for the Tigers with back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons.
The Bear Report’s Austin Freeman did a deep dive on the speedy receiver and just how he may fit into an NFL offense – specifically the Bears’ offense:
“Austin fits the mold of a quick-twitch slot receiver in the NFL who can also contribute as a returner and gadget player on offense. While some teams may be scared off by Austin’s lacking size profile, his big-play potential is undeniable. In my opinion, Austin’s athletic ability more than makes up for his size shortcomings and will help make him one of the most exciting playmakers to come out of this draft class.”
Austin has been entrenched among the third-round selections in mock drafts, a ranking that has steadily climbed since January and was solidified with a 4.32 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. Like some of our previous names here, the Memphis product also has some return game experience, handling the punt return duties for the AAC school. A quick look at his tape will also show he has some very risky tendencies to his game as well, having fielded several touchback-potential punts and stunts like this:
CALVIN AUSTIN III CAUGHT THEM SLEEPING 🤯 pic.twitter.com/H5o828mFQ3
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 18, 2021
Despite his risk-taking nature, Austin could settle in as the Bears’ slot receiver with his dynamic footwork and shiftiness – traits not necessarily found on the current roster. Waiting until the third round may allow Poles to plug needs elsewhere in the second round if he so chooses.
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