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5 AAF wide receivers the Arizona Cardinals could target

By Avery Duncan

TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Rashad Ross #15 of the Arizona State Sun Devils scores a 38 yard touchdown reception against the Utah Utes during the first quarter of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 22, 2012 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Rashad Ross #15 of the Arizona State Sun Devils scores a 38 yard touchdown reception against the Utah Utes during the first quarter of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 22, 2012 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 01: DeMarcus Ayers #15 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs into the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 1, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 01: DeMarcus Ayers #15 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs into the end zone for an 11 yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field on January 1, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Demarcus Ayers, San Antonio Commanders

2019 stats: 16 receptions, 207 yards

Demarcus Ayers’ stats might not be the prettiest, but he has the game to quickly be back in the NFL after a one-year hiatus.

Ayers, like Ross, has been used all over the field for the Commanders but is likely best suited to play primarily in the slot if he were to be back in the NFL. His 5-9, 182-pound frame is simply not big enough for the outside, but his short-area quickness, speed, and explosiveness is a mismatch waiting to happen inside.

Ayers has the game to be impactful in the NFL. He’s a sharp route-runner that wins on horizontal routes and is a threat after the catch. His ball concentration, as you can see in the clip above, is also a strength. His vision after the catch and block anticipation both are plus traits and translate when he’s tasked with returning kicks.

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At only 24 years old, Ayers likely has a long football life ahead of himself. He’s improved in the AAF since his days as a Steeler and has room to grow. The San Antonio Commander should rarely be relied upon as an outside receiver due to his size and body-catching mechanics, but he should be viewed as one of the best slot prospects in the start-up league.

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