Bills Draft Pick Alex Austin Ready for 'Little Bro Role' with Jordan Poyer
The Buffalo Bills have enjoyed sustained success from former Oregon State defensive back Jordan Poyer across the last six years ... and are now hoping lightning strikes twice.
In the seventh round of last week's NFL Draft, the Bills selected cornerback Alex Austin, who earned honorable mention all-Pac 12 each off the past two seasons for the Beavers.
At 6-1, 191 pounds, Austin stands an inch taller than Poyer while tipping the scales at the same weight. The former ran a 4.55 40-yard dash while the latter clocked in at 4.54 back in 2013. Both players were drafted during the final round as corners, though Poyer transitioned to safety as a pro.
Beyond that, Poyer has done tremendous work in the community, something Austin received recognition for as a member of the Wuerffel Trophy Watch List last year.
Now, the two Beavers are together - and Austin is eager to continue the similarities by taking in as many lessons from Poyer as he can.
“Jordan Poyer, he’s a Beaver legend," Austin said. "I’m excited to be able to get up there and work with him, be beside him and be able to learn some things from him. I know he’s been in the league for a very long time and he’s a veteran, so I look forward to just taking on the little bro role and getting to learn and soak up as much knowledge as I can from him.”
The 21-year-old Austin started all 25 games at Oregon State across the past two seasons, logging 104 tackles, four interceptions and 17 pass breakups.
A standout 100- and 200-meter sprinter in high school to go along with a receiver background, Austin has the measurables pedigree to outplay his draft position ... and Bills general manager Brandon Beane is optimistic about his chance to contribute.
“Austin at the end, you’re kind of coming down to ‘who’s got the best chance to help?’” Beane said. “We just hadn’t had a defensive back, so we liked him and what we think he can add to the team.”
The two sides had a positive meeting at the NFL Combine, Austin noted, in which the Long Beach, Calif., native showed his "football smarts" and perhaps showed just a glimmer of Poyer in his eyes and actions.
Buffalo is some 2,700 miles east of Corvallis, Ore., but Austin might just find comfort quickly - thanks in part to Poyer, his fellow Beaver and big brother who just so happens to have taken a very similar path to the sport's highest level.
You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft
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