Heading into this year’s draft, the Jets had a clear need for help at cornerback, and many expected them to address the position sooner than the sixth round. Still, the team landed a promising prospect in Austin, who has the size and physical tools to make an immediate impact on special teams, while potentially developing into something more down the road.
Austin measured in at 6-1, 198 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, showing off the height and length that made him an effective cover man for the Scarlet Knights. But his talent was never in question.
The biggest reason Austin was still available in the later rounds of this year’s draft?