Report: Tavon Austin Viewed as RB by Cowboys After Trade at 2018 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys reportedly view Tavon Austin as a running back rather than a wide receiver after acquiring him in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

On Saturday, Dallas announced it sent a sixth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft to the Rams in exchange for Austin. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported the team views him mostly as a backfield weapon.

Although the 27-year-old playmaker was listed as a wideout during his time with the Rams, his role transformed over the years.

Austin made 40 catches and tallied just nine rushing attempts as a rookie in 2013. Last year, he made only nine receptions and carried the ball 59 times. So the fact the Cowboys are planning to use him mostly as a running back falls in line with that trend.

The Maryland native's value comes mostly through his versatility, though. He's a dangerous punt returner, with three touchdown returns across five NFL seasons and also has some experience returning kicks.

Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News commented on Austin's expected involvement:

He's not going to become a high-volume player in Dallas. But he could end up seeing between 10 and 12 touches per game as a third-down back, return specialist and occasional receiver.