Air Yards
The total distance (in yards) that passes travel in the air toward a receiver, whether caught or not. Includes completed and incomplete targets.
Like a fisherman casting into a well-stocked part of the lake — lots of casts (air yards) in good spots should eventually produce catches.
Why it matters
Air yards measure a receiver's opportunity in the vertical passing game — high air yards with low production suggest positive regression, while the reverse suggests negative regression.
How DMP uses this
DMP tracks air yards as a leading indicator of receiving production, flagging players whose actual output lags behind their air yard volume as potential value props.
Common mistake
Confusing air yards with actual receiving yards — air yards include incomplete passes and represent opportunity, not production.