Washington Redskins: 5 Reasons Terrence Austin Deserves a Roster Spot

Washington Redskins wide receiver Terrence Austin is a man on a mission.

The second-year player out of UCLA received the phone call he feared most just a year ago.  He would not be a part of the Redskins 53-man roster in 2010. 

His dream did not end, however, as Washington optioned him to the practice squad.  In late November, for a brief moment, his dream was realized. 

Acting upon the abrupt release of Joey Galloway, the Redskins activated Austin for their final five games.  He finished the 2010 season with three receptions for 47 yards.

Considered too slow and too small to play wide receiver in the NFL, Austin was projected as a fifth- or sixth-round draft pick as a kick returner.  Instead, he fell to the Redskins in the seventh round.

Interestingly, Austin has defied the experts while making more of an impression at wide receiver.  He led Washington in receiving during preseason last year and is repeating his success again in 2011.

With a lot of depth at receiver, Austin entered 2011 knowing he had an uphill battle on his hands.  He continues however, to make it increasingly difficult for the Redskins to release him.

Here are the five biggest reasons why Austin deserves a spot on Washington’s 53-man active roster.

No. 5 Determination & Drive

Terrence Austin knew he had big shoes to fill at Long Beach Poly High School.  DeSean Jackson had just graduated and moved on to Cal.  That left Austin as the preeminent go-to threat.

Though not naturally gifted in talent as Jackson, Austin knows what he lacks in God-given talent, he has to make up for in hard work and desire.

This has been Austin’s story throughout his football playing career.  He has grown to know what his capabilities are.  His drive resonates with his focus on knowing himself. 

Now it is the finer things that will propel him to being a legitimate receiver in the NFL.  The simple things become more important. 

It’s slowing down in motion before the play when a defender is mirroring you, only to accelerate just before the snap in order to gain a step on coverage.  It’s this extra work that empowers Austin.

No. 4 Experience

The Redskins spent three draft choices on wide receivers in 2011.  In retrospect, they seem a bit unwarranted.

The offseason lockout will hinder rookie production throughout the league, and Washington is no different. 

While Leonard Hankerson, Niles Paul and Aldrick Robinson are working hard learning the playbook, Terrence Austin is refining himself as a better athlete, and learning from receivers coach Keenan McCardell’s experience and wisdom.

No doubt this serves as an advantage for Austin, and should help separate him from the rest of the 2011 rookie class. 

Third-round pick Hankerson will most likely earn a roster spot.  Paul appears to be headed to the practice squad and Robinson is likely to get cut outright.

No. 3 Speed & Strength

Austin was written off as a viable wide receiver in the NFL because of his speed and strength.  Listed at 5’10” and 165 pounds (most likely a bit generous) out of college, his height is similar to Santana Moss.  Moss, however, weighs in at 200 lbs.

Likewise, Austin had trouble getting off of the line of scrimmage in the more physically demanding NFL.  Coaches encouraged him to add mass to his upper body so that he could use his hands to fend off jams and bump and run coverage.

Austin has added at least 10 lbs. of muscle to his upper torso while maintaining his deceptively fast speed.  He has run as low as a 4.4 40 and at one time had aspirations of being an Olympic high jumper. 

There’s no question that Austin has improved upon himself in 2011.  He is an all-around more physical player.

No. 2 Consistency & Reliability

Redskins wide receiver coach Keenan McCardell holds consistency and reliability in high esteem.  If anyone has shown these attributes, it's Terrence Austin.

Newly-acquired receiver Donte’ Stallworth has shown flashes of exceptional ability during his career.  However, he has been anything but consistent.

It’s this consistency that helps quarterbacks gain confidence.  We all know that with John Beck and Rex Grossman at the helm, confidence is as important as anything. 

Austin has shown he can be the go to guy during the preseason playing mostly with the second team.  He does not turn the ball over either, an issue that plagued Brandon Banks in preseason a year ago.

No. 1 Versatility

Terrence Austin never considered himself a one-trick pony.  Originally making his name at UCLA as a return specialist, he’s proven he is a viable receiver as well.

Sure hands and strong route running have Austin leading the Redskins with 10 receptions in three games this year.

On top of his receiving ability Washington has been giving him reps at returning punts.  He has succeeded in this area as well fielding five punts and gaining 65 yards for a 13.0 yard average.

There’s no doubt, the more things you can do, the more valuable you become. 

With pint sized speedster Brandon Banks lacking durability and refinement as a receiver, Austin has the tools to help Washington in different roles.