STRENGTHS
AJ is a dominate, run after the catch, big, strong hands receiver who can play inside or outside in any style of offensive system. He is trouble in the open field to take down for those smaller, skinner cornerbacks and more powerful, than most safeties unless they use form tackles to take him down. AJ can go deep because he is such an after the catch weapon, that double moves makes it easy for him to get behind those two deep zone coverages. He has a big catch radius, and loves to catch passes when those spider like defensive backs are climbing all over him in the red zone. He has those strong hands that make him a sure bet to move the chains when everyone in the stadium knows the ball is coming at him on those quick slant routes. AJ has the potential to be a franchise receiver for the team that selects him.
CONCERNS
AJ was selected in the 19th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft by the San Diego Padres and has participated in the team’s extended spring training each of the past three summers, and that’s the big concern. He has the speed to go deep but the truth is this kid loves the physical nature of the game and separation has not been his top priority. That will have to change. That being said, I have no doubts that he will get better running routes if he is selected.
TALENT BOARD ROUND 1.40
Well it’s up to AJ baseball or football. He has to convince teams in this draft that football is all he wants to play. If he does convince them, then he will work hard and I have no doubt become a franchise receiver. He has the tools, size, strength, power, hands and speed along with the after the catch, “tackle me if you dare” … attitude, that’s is needed to succeed. He also has a good work ethic. AJ is the real deal that’s if…he truly wants to play football in the NFL and not baseball in the MLB. Personally, I don’t know why he is bothering with baseball at all, he seems to really love playing football, at least at the college level. AJ has an energy about him when he plays, that propels him off the line of scrimmage, putting defensive backs at a disadvantage on the snap of the ball. He is dominating when playing in the slot and as soon as he learns the technical aspects of running routes on the outside, I’m convinced he will be dominating playing there also.
