Giants UDFAs: Get to know Ayir Asante, WR, Wyoming

Asked to compare himself to one wide receiver currently in the NFL, New York Giants undrafted free agent wide receiver Ayir Asante had a lofty answer:

Stefon Diggs.

Diggs, of course, is a four-time Pro Bowler with six consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, 810 receptions and 9,995 receiving yards on his resume.

Asante, 6-foot, 178 pounds, is a Jersey City, N.J. kid who went to Holy Cross and then transferred to Wyoming for his final season of collegiate eligibility. He had just 21 catches for Wyoming in 2023.

“My top thing is versatility,” Asante said at UW’s pro day last month. “I’m a guy that can play outside, inside and I can come out of the backfield. … I pride myself on being a football player and a huge asset. I know NFL teams only have 53 (roster spots), and I’m one of those guys that’s willing to do whatever to help the team. I think that’s a big point for me. Nothing’s above working hard.

“I want to earn everything I get. I don’t want anything handed to me. I’m a student of the game. You’re not going to have off the field issues with me or anything like that. You’re going to get a good football player that’s always going to give it his best, and, when you throw him the ball, he’ll make plays.”

Here is a scouting report from Emory Hunt’s Football Gameplan Draft Guide:

Strengths:

– Very good quickness and shiftiness for the position. Does a strong job on option routes where he’s able to combine the two & get open.
– After the catch he has the ability to make a defender miss, maximizing YAC opportunities. Slips a lot of tackles out there on the field.
– Can be used in the WR run game because of his elusiveness
– Has experience as a KR, which gives him a chance to hit the field immediately and make an impact.

Areas of Improvement:
– A short area burst guy but not necessarily a long speed burner type. So separation deeper downfield will be tough to come by on a consistent basis.
– Has to continue to get stronger which would better help him as a pro get off press coverage. Right now, more physical defenders can keep him occupied.

Career Accolades:

– 2024 Tropical Bowl
– 3x 2nd Team All-Patriot League
– Wyoming Stats: 21 Rec, 372 Yds, 17.7 YPC, 6 TDs
– Wyoming KR Stats: 8 KR, 20.8 YPR
– Holy Cross Stats: 117 Rec, 1,718 Yds, 14.7 YPC, 16 TDs
– Holy Cross KR Stats: 26 KR, 485 Yds, 18.7 YPR

Asante seems destined to be in competition for a spot on the practice squad.