The Alliance of American Football debuted their league this weekend, and by most accounts it was a smashing success. The AAF isn’t exactly like the NFL as it features numerous rule changes such as shorter play clocks, no kickoffs, no extra points, and no onside kicks.
Even with a few changes the fundamentals are still intact, and the goal of many of these players is to get noticed by the NFL. AAF players even have an out designed in their contract where they’re able to sign with NFL teams with no repercussions.
During the opening weekend there were several standout talents and those players likely caught the eyes of NFL teams looking to add to their offseason 90-man rosters. Here are players from each AAF team that stood out over the weekend and could receive interest from the Chiefs.
Eastern Conference
Atlanta Legends
Justin Thomas – WR
Former Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas was the most consistent player on the field for the Atlanta Legends on Saturday. He’s no longer playing quarterback and has transitioned to receiver full time. He ran the read option with the Yellow Jackets.
The Legends we’re outmatched by the Orlando Apollos, but Thomas caught 4-of-4 passes for 35 yards. He looked very natural catching the football and I was impressed with his route running. Playing from behind isn’t the easiest thing, but Thomas never gave up throughout the game and it showed.
Birmingham Iron
Jamar Summers – CB
Jamar Summers had a monster day in his debut for the Birmingham Iron. This former UConn Husky played for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2018 preseason as a rookie, but he ultimately didn’t make the 53-man roster.
During the game Summers recorded two total tackles, a tackle for loss, three passes defended, an interception, and a forced fumble. He was all over the field, and appeared to be the best defender for the Iron.
Memphis Express
DeMarquis Gates – LB
No player had more tackles this weekend than DeMarquis Gates. The former Ole Miss product was the best defender on the field for the Memphis Express. The Express were the only team that did not score a point this weekend. So they’ve got some work to do on the offensive side of the ball.
Gates finished the game with 10 total tackles and two forced fumbles. He had a knack for punching the football out during this game. Teams want players that are productive and capable of creating turnovers.
Orlando Apollos
Terence Garvin – LB
Terence Garvin is an NFL veteran with NFL size at 6-foot-3 and 244 pounds. He’s played on teams like the Steelers, Seahawks, Dolphins, and more. He played like an NFL veteran when he stepped on the field for the Orlando Apollos on Saturday night.
Garvin finished the night with eight total tackles, a tackle for loss, two passes defended, two interceptions, and a defensive touchdown. One of his best plays was a bluff blitz where he dropped into coverage. It was really impressive to see him bait the quarterback into throwing an interception.
Continue…
Western Conference
Arizona Hotshots
Robert Nelson Jr. – CB
This corner played extremely well for the Arizona Hotshots on Sunday night. Robert Nelson Jr. has bounced around several NFL teams since 2014. He’s been mostly a camp body, but his biggest shot with a team came with the 2016 Houston Texans.
Nelson finished Sunday’s game with two solo tackles an interception and a pass defended. After his interception, which was a thing of beauty, they really didn’t test him very much. He ran the route better than the receiver and earned his interception. It was the prettiest one I saw all weekend. Nelson’s willingness to come up and tackle in the run game was admirable, but really just the icing on the cake with his game.
Honorable Mention: Rashad Ross – WR
I couldn’t not talk about Rashad Ross, because he was clearly the most dominant player throughout the AAF all weekend.
He finished the game with five receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. He dazzled with some great catches and adjustments on the football. He worked on the outside and in the slot. It was just an all out clinic from him and I won’t be shocked to see him in the NFL next season.
Salt Lake Stallions
Salesi Uhatafe – OG
Yes the AAF even has some intriguing offensive line talent. Salesi Uhatafe caught my eye watching the Stallions and Hotshots face off. He did a really good job as a run blocker creating space for running back Brandon Oliver. They ran behind him a few times, including during goal line situations which ultimately net a touchdown.
It’s all the more impressive when he was matching up against Will Sutton, a former third round draft pick by the Chicago Bears. Uhatafe still has some work to do as a pass protector, but that is what this league is for. He’ll continue to develop those skills throughout the season.
San Antonio Commanders
Mekale McKay – WR
Mekale McKay has an interesting blend of size and speed at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds. He displayed a really good release off the line of scrimmage and ran some crisp routes for the Commanders on Saturday.
He caught five passes for 80 yards by the end of their match with the San Diego Fleet. The problem? He was targeted 12 times during the game. Sometimes he wasn’t open, but he also probably wants a few of those back. There is definitely something here to work with though.
San Diego Fleet
Ryan Moeller – S
Ryan Moeller played college football at the University of Colorado. He went undrafted in 2018 and earned some tryouts, but didn’t make any teams. He was a 1-man wrecking crew for the San Diego Fleet defense.
Moeller finished the game with five total tackles, two passes defended, and an interception. One of his passes defended came on a crucial play in the endzone holding the Commanders to a field goal. He also caught his interception off a deflection with no gloves on.
