Former first-round pick Austin savors fresh start

Tavon Austin says he has the same skills he possessed back when his impressive 40-yard dash times helped make him the 2013 NFL draft’s No. 8 pick.

The 29-year-old receiver is eager to showcase that as Green Bay’s newest acquisition tries to revive his career.

“I’m still explosive,” Austin said Wednesday. “If anything, I’m still 4.3. If I ain’t 4.2 no more, I know I’m 4.3. I felt like my workout spoke for itself how explosive I was.”

The Packers signed Austin to boost a receiving unit that lacks depth beyond three-time Pro Bowl selection Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard. It marks perhaps one final chance for Austin, who hasn’t lived up to his lofty draft spot.

Austin notes he’s played for several quarterbacks and in plenty of offensive systems since joining the NFL. The 5-foot-8-inch speedster hopes Green Bay offers him a chance for stability.

“Hopefully I just come and add a little more threat to the offense, just free people open and sometimes I get the ball as well and show what I can do,” Austin said.

San Francisco placed Austin on injured reserve before the season and later reached an injury settlement with him as he dealt with a knee issue.

He said he’s been feeling better for the past three weeks.

He reunites with coach Matt LaFleur, who was the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2017 when Austin was with Los Angeles. Austin spent his first five seasons with the Rams, who traded up to take the former West Virginia star in 2013. Austin played for Dallas in 2018 and 2019.

“I love the way he works and just the energy he brings,” LaFleur said. “We’ve got to get him kind of acclimated to what we’re doing and how we call things. … So we’ll just see where he’s at.”

Austin’s 15 touchdown catches and 10 TD runs show he can fill a variety of roles, whether it’s running a pass route or a jet sweep. Austin also has experience returning punts.

“I am a receiver, and to be honest, I am a running back as well,” Austin said. “It’s just about somebody really giving me the chance and really believing in me and letting me get comfortable.”