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.
Week after week, Demarcus Ayers makes these grabs. 🔥@aafcommanders | #SAvsBHM pic.twitter.com/rq7bTbLmNP
— The Alliance (@TheAAF) March 3, 2019
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.
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.