Tavon Austin Has Every Reason to Believe He's the Draft's Best All-Around Player

You go, Tavon Austin. 

OK, that phrase probably should stay in the 90s, but here, it's appropriate.

The 5'8'', 174-pound, fleet-footed wideout made quite the proclamation when he met the media at the NFL Combine. 

"I think I'm the all-around best player in the draft," Austin said (h/t USA Today).

According to FOX Sports' Jamie Newberg, Austin's full quote was as follows:

"

Tavon Austin - "Pound for pound I am the best all-around player in the NFL Draft." Hard to disagree.

"

"— Jamie Newberg (@JamieNewberg) February 22, 2013"

Whether he slipped in his weight as context or not, Austin's bold statement should been seen as a positive.

Listen, we weren't able to identify the unequivocal best player in the 2012 draft class, one that may go down as the most prolific in NFL history, and certainly, there hasn't been a prospect in the 2013 class who's separated himself from the rest of the pack. 

So, if you're Austin, why not say that?

Many draftniks agree that he's worth a first-round pick and one of the best receivers in the class, despite being a smaller slot option.

"

Tavon Austin (@tayaustin01) is going to make some @nfl team very happy -- shades of Eric Metcalf youtube.com/watch?v=TxzPry…

— Marc Sessler (@MarcSesslerNFL) February 19, 2013"

He averaged 11.19 yards per touch in college, which is absolutely absurd, and there's no doubting he can be utilized in a variety of different ways.

Frankly, there's nothing wrong with a prospect exuding confidence, especially if it's warranted and doesn't come across in an arrogant manner. 

Although he doesn't have size on his side, Austin undoubtedly has elite athleticism, quickness and the type of trust in his abilities that make him believe he's the best player in the 2013 class.

No one should have a problem with that. 

Follow @ChrisTrapasso