NFL analyst praises the Las Vegas Raiders for the scheme fit of Jakobi Meyers
The Las Vegas Raiders went out and signed Jakobi Meyers, and the NFL analysts love the scheme fit within Josh Mcdaniels’ offense.
When the Las Vegas Raiders signed wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, many thought of the ways the signing wouldn't work.
But as the ink dries on the three-year $33 million deal the Raiders gave Meyers, NFL analysts are praising the organization for bringing in the former New England Patriots wide receiver for one reason — scheme fit.
Meyers played for Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels in New England. And with Las Vegas opting to trade star tight end, Darren Waller, Meyers is essentially sliding into a similar role within the offense.
One of the most expressive NFL analysts who support the Raiders' addition of Meyers early in free agency is The Athletic's, Ted Nguyen. In a recent article, he praised what Meyers can bring to McDaniels' offense: blocking, route running, and playing outside.
Take a look at some of Nguyen's breakdown of where and how Meyers fits in the offense:
"Meyers isn’t the vertical threat that Waller is, but he’s an excellent route runner and is just entering his prime. He will be 27 in November and has room to grow. His ability to create space underneath fits the talents of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The Raiders will likely look to draft someone from this year’s historically strong tight end class who can block and be a threat in the passing game. Waller is a better player than Meyers, but the Raiders could replace his production with a younger talent that they hope can stay healthier while adding a player in Meyers who’s proven to fit McDaniels’ scheme."
"Meyers has a reputation as a slot receiver, but he’s actually been more effective playing outside. From 2021-2022, he’s run 304 routes outside compared to 650 inside. On his outside routes, he’s averaged 2.19 yards per route run, compared to 1.54 from the slot. So though his fit next to Hunter Renfrow, one of the NFL’s best slot receivers, might be initially perplexing, there’s reason to believe they can coexist."
Though it is easy for the mind to slip into criticizing the Raiders for where and how they spent their money this offseason, it is clear that Meyers has a role to play in Las Vegas. And it is one that could yield positive results when it is all said and done.
