AAF standouts who are playing their way to future NFL contracts

All things considered, the AAF has turned in an interesting inaugural season for their new league, but it’s clear where they stand against the NFL.

Most believe that it is less a potential long-term rival and more of a minor league system for professional players. A place where young players get a chance to earn some experience and develop or where older players get a chance to show they deserve one more opportunity in the big league. With the season drawing to a close, the buzz has steadily picked up on which names may have the best chance to get that NFL shot.

Here are those who are the most likely ones being coveted.

Garrett Gilbert (QB, Orlando Apollos)

A former 6th round pick of the Rams, Gilbert never got an opportunity to play during his NFL career from 2014 to 2018. Part of that was him signing with teams that had established quarterbacks. Sometimes a guy just needs an opportunity. Gilbert has more than taken advantage in Orlando where he leads the league in passing yards (1,842), touchdowns (11), and passer rating (103.3) with just one interception. In a QB-starved league, somebody in the NFL has to notice what’s going on.

Rashad Ross (WR, Arizona Hotshots)

An undrafted free agent in 2013, Ross bounced from one side of the country to the other on many different NFL rosters. His longest stint was three years in Washington though he still barely managed to see the field. Unable to get beyond final preseason cuts most of the time, he headed off to the AAF where he caught a touchdown in each of his first five games. He’s second in the league in receiving yards with 505. He just turned 29-years old.

Jordan McCray (C, Orlando Apollos)

Offenses have always started up front. Good blocking can be hard to find for a lot of teams, especially at the center position. Most people won’t remember the name Jordan McCray. He was an undrafted free agent out of UCF and spent time with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings before disappearing for a few years, only receiving workout opportunities. The Apollos gave him a chance and made him their starting center. He hasn’t allowed a sack this season and is also the highest-graded run blocker.

Damontre Moore (EDGE, San Diego Fleet)

It remains a mystery why Damontre Moore wasn’t more of a success in the NFL. He racked up 21 sacks his final two years at Texas A&M and was a 3rd round pick in the draft. Yet for some reason, he never seemed to find momentum during stints with four different teams. It would appear his stint in the AAF has been a reawakening. He’s tied for the league lead with seven sacks and has an additional 17 hits on the quarterback. The man has been hunting.

DeMarquis Gates (LB, Memphis Express)

Is anybody really surprised that the best linebacker in the AAF to this point plays on a team coached by Mike Singletary? Gates has 46 tackles to this point, tops in the league. No fewer than 31 of them have resulted in no gain or a loss for the opposing offense. This is essentially what he did in college at Ole Miss. He’s a proficient tackler and good against the run. There is value to such players and now he’s proving it on more of a professional level.

De’Vante Bausby (CB, San Antonio Commanders)

The former Bears part-time cornerback always looked like he had…something. He had ideal 6’2 size and didn’t seem to lack speed. For whatever reason, he just wasn’t able to show enough to earn anything beyond a limited backup role in the NFL. San Antonio allowed him to get on the field and play. He hasn’t disappointed. Not only does he lead the AAF with four interceptions, but quarterbacks also have a 34.7 passer rating when throwing in his direction.

Home/NFL Hot Takes