Calvin Austin III WR Memphis: Scouting Report

Height: 5’8’’

Weight: 170

Overall

Calvin Austin III is an extremely quick receiver in Memphis’ balanced offense. He lined up all over the field and was a true Z receiver for his offense. In his 4 college seasons, he played in 47 games, starting 21 of them. He also participated on the Memphis Track and Field team where he earned all-conference honors multiple years for multiple events. This track speed shows up on the football field as well with his ability to completely outrun defenses.

Pass Game

Austin is incredibly fast off the line of scrimmage and has the speed and quickness to beat his man deep down the field or on short routes. When lined up against a press corner, he struggles getting past them due to him being undersized and lacking physicality. In his routes, he can create separation with his speed and ability to quickly change direction. Once he gains a step on his man he has the acceleration to get past his man and make big plays deep down the field. He is very good at tracking the ball deep and has good hands. However, he uses his body to catch the ball too often which leads to some drops. He is not great at making contested catches with his lack of strength. With the ball in his hands, he is a natural playmaker and can make defenders miss with his elusiveness and burst. He is a true big play threat and can excel as a slot receiver in the pros.

Run Game

Austin was occasionally used on designed handoffs and had some success. His speed and elusiveness will allow him to be used on these plays in the NFL as well. As a blocker though he struggles making space for the ball-carrier and his lack of size and strength could be a big issue at the next level.

Last Word

Although Austin lined up all over the field in college, he projects best as a slot receiver in the pros. He has elite speed and quickness and will be able to create separation with the extra space in the slot. He is a big play-maker but he needs to improve his consistency in catching the ball before he can be a reliable 3rd down receiver. He was used on punt returns at Memphis and can be an immediate weapon in the return game to begin his career.

One-Liner: Calvin Austin III has elite speed and can be a big play receiver in the slot as well as a weapon in the return game, but his lack of size and physicality will create problems for him at the next level.

Grade: 6.4 (Role Playing Starter, True #3)

Games Watched: 2021 – Mississippi State, UTSA, 2020 – SMU

Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, Detroit Lions