Perry's Stock Watch: Rookie CB Alex Austin impresses vs. former team
Perry's Stock Watch: Rookie CB Alex Austin impresses vs. former team originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots came up short against the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, but it still was a day to remember for rookie cornerback Alex Austin.
The Bills selected Austin in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Oregon State product never played a regular-season snap for Buffalo, however, as he was waived on Aug. 29.
The Patriots signed Austin to their active roster on Nov. 2. He debuted for New England in the team's Week 15 matchup vs. the Kansas City Chiefs and played in the Patriots' Week 16 win over the Denver Broncos. Sunday's game in Buffalo, however, was his best performance yet.
In the second quarter, Austin made an outstanding play to pick off Bills quarterback Josh Allen for his first career interception.
That first career pick is a beauty, Alex Austin 👏
📺: #NEvsBUF on CBS pic.twitter.com/LBtyCOPrcb— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 31, 2023
Later, Austin made another impressive play, blowing up a screen pass with good post-snap recognition. It was a solid all-around performance by the 22-year-old against his former team.
Austin earned a "Stock Up" label on Phil Perry's "Patriots Stock Watch" report for Week 17. See below for the full Stock Watch and check out the video above for Perry's full breakdown.
Stock Up
Alex Austin, CB
Keion White, DE
Jalen Reagor (the kick returner)
Stock Down
Jalen Reagor (the wide receiver)
Bailey Zappe, QB
Pharaoh Brown, TE