The Las Vegas Raiders may have found themselves a hidden gem in the form of wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Despite going undrafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, Meyers has defied the odds and established himself as a reliable playmaker. With his exceptional skills, work ethic, and determination, Meyers has quickly become a very talented Slot Receiver in the league. In this article, we’ll explore the journey of Jakobi Meyers and his potential impact on the Las Vegas Raiders.
Early Career and College Success:
Born on November 9, 1996, in Lithonia, Georgia, Jakobi Meyers attended Arabia Mountain High School, where he displayed his football talent as a quarterback. However, his path to the NFL took an unconventional turn when he transitioned to wide receiver during his college years at North Carolina State University. Meyers showcased his versatility and adaptability on the field, amassing an impressive 92 receptions for 1,047 yards and 4 touchdowns during his junior season. His exceptional performances earned him recognition as a versatile and reliable target.
Emerging as a Playmaker for Las Vegas:
Although Meyers went undrafted in 2019, the New England Patriots recognized his potential and signed him as an undrafted free agent. During his time with the Patriots, he recorded 26 receptions for 359 yards and no touchdowns in his rookie season. However, it was during his second season in 2020 that Meyers truly caught the attention of New England recording 59 receptions 729 yards improving every seasons statistically. 2021 recording 83 receptions for 866 yards and 2 touchdowns. Last season in New England Meyers recorded 67 receptions for 804 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Meyers emerged as one of the Patriots’ most consistent and reliable targets, Despite the lack of touchdowns, he showcased his route-running ability, strong hands, and exceptional ball control. His ability to make contested catches and gain yards after the catch made him a valuable asset for the Patriots’ offense.
Arrival at the Raiders:
In a surprising move, the Las Vegas Raiders signed Jakobi Meyers in Free Agency signing him to a 3 year 33 mil contract. This signing marked a new chapter in Meyers’ career and offered him the opportunity to showcase his talents in a new environment. The Raiders were in need of another reliable receiver to complement their offensive scheme, and Meyers seemed like the perfect fit.
Impact on the Raiders:
Since joining the Raiders, Meyers has received some praise from wide receiver Davante Adams.
Adams recently had this to say to Las Vegas Sun “I didn’t see him featured as much as maybe he should have been based on what I saw when [the Patriots] came here and we practiced against them [last summer], and so far what I’ve seen from him now,” Adams said this week, per the Las Vegas Sun. “He’s a pro. He’s got a lot of tools on the field, and the way he thinks about the game as a relatively young player is impressive to me, so I’m excited to work alongside him.”
Per Braxton Boward of Pro Football Focus
“His grades have screamed consistency — since 2020, Meyers has posted 80.1, 74.6 and 75.8 receiving grades.
His precise route-running, strong hands, and ability to make tough catches in traffic will make him a reliable target when Tae is doubled or unavailable.
Meyers’ impact goes beyond statistics. His work ethic, discipline, and willingness to improve have resonated with his teammates and coaching staff. He brings a level of professionalism and commitment that elevates the entire team’s performance. Meyers’ positive attitude and team-first mentality will earn him respect in the Raiders’ locker room.
Future Outlook:
As Jakobi Meyers continues to mature and develop as a player, his potential to become a really good wide receiver in the NFL is evident. With his natural talent, work ethic, and determination, he has the tools to become a big time threat. Given the Raiders’ commitment to building a competitive team, Meyers’ role is likely to expand further in the coming season, cementing his place as a key playmaker for the team.
Conclusion:
Jakobi Meyers’ journey from an undrafted rookie to pointe Italy the Wide Receiver 2 for the Las Vegas Raiders is a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering determination. His ability to consistently make plays, combined with his work ethic and positive attitude, will make him a fan favorite in the Silver & Black.