Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile: Miles Austin

Up next in my Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile or “PEPP” series is wide receiver Miles Austin. In this series of post, I’ll discuss each and every single player on the Eagles’ current 90-man roster, in alphabetical order. For each player, I’ll discuss their career history, measurables, individual outlook for the Eagles in 2015 and their chance to make the final 53-man roster.

Many questioned the move when Eagles head coach Chip Kelly decided to sign Austin to a 1-year, $3 million contract and rightfully so. Austin is 31 years old and doesn’t offer much on the field these days but his experience is what likely peaked Kelly’s interest. With such a young group of wide receivers, the Eagles really needed a veteran presence to help both on the field and off of it in the meeting rooms.

Career History

Undrafted out of Monmouth University in 2006, Austin was obviously not a high profile player. He signed with the Dallas Cowboys and was nothing more than a special teams player to start his career. During his first two seasons in the NFL, Austin failed to make much of an impact…but he burst onto the scene in 2009. He finished the season with 81 receptions for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns, receiving his first ever invitation to the Pro Bowl.

He returned to the Pro Bowl in the following season as well, finishing the year with 69 receptions for 1,041 yards and 7 touchdowns. But then Austin hit a bit of a wall and failed to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in a season ever again. He played for the Cleveland Browns in 2014 and did surprisingly well considering the low expectations set for him prior to the season. Austin finished the year with 47 catches for 568 yards and touchdowns in 12 games. But his season was ended early by a freakish kidney injury. Now Austin will look to reclaim his NFL career in midnight green with the Eagles in 2015.

Measurables

Miles Austin’s measurables, according to NFLDraftScout.com.

While it may surprise some, Austin put up some freakish numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine in 2006. What especially stands out is the amount of bench reps he did at 21 reps of 225 lbs. which is quite a high mark for a wide receiver. His vertical jump number at 40 1/2 inches is another mark that’s quite insane. Austin isn’t thought of as a freak athlete anymore due to his age but at one point in time, he certainly could have been referred to as a freak…in a good way, of course.

Eagles’ Outlook for 2015

Although it’s tough to get excited about a player such as Austin, he could play a crucial role for the Eagles in 2015. As the oldest wide receiver on Philadelphia’s roster, Austin brings a plethora of experience that no other player at the position on the team can. Austin has 118 games played in his NFL career, the next closest wide receiver on the Eagles’ roster is Riley Cooper with a whopping 72 games played. It’s clear the Eagles needed a proven veteran wide receiver in their locker room.

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But Austin isn’t only being paid to be a voice for the Eagles, he can still offer a bit on the field as well. There’s a good chance that he sees the field quite often, especially at the start of the season as the younger wide receivers get through their growing pains. Jordan Matthews is the only sure thing out of the “kids” at wide receiver so Austin could see time on the field to kick off the upcoming season.

Chip Kelly’s #Culture Grade: 👍👍

Two thumbs up because the guy was brought in by Kelly himself. Clearly he must be a fan of Austin and he’s obviously having an immediate impact on the younger wide receivers on the team’s roster. Last year’s rookie wide receivers, Matthews and Josh Huff always referred to former Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin as a mentor both on and off the field. Austin could help fill that role for the time being.

Chance of Making Eagles Final 53-Man Roster: 100%

I may sound crazy for this but I think Miles Austin will definitely make the Eagles’ final roster. His veteran presence and experience is too valuable to let go and will be needed throughout the upcoming season. Of course, he still has a bit left in the tank to offer on the field as well, if called upon.

Next: Philadelphia Eagles Player Profile: Josh Andrews

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