NFL media predict a big season for newly-minted Raider Jakobi Meyers
Some thought the move a head-scratcher, but NFL.com is predicted a big 2023 for Las Vegas Raiders’ recent free agent signing Jakobi Meyers.
Expectations for Jakobi Meyers are only growing as the wide receiver gets acquainted with the Las Vegas Raiders organization.
The former New England Patriots wideout arrived in Las Vegas under auspicious circumstances. He reportedly wanted to stay in New England, but a deal was never worked out, so Las Vegas made a deal happen.
Still, those around the NFL pondered whether Meyers would fit with what the Raiders aim to do offensively under head coach Josh McDaniels. But one writer, Kevin Patra of NFL.com, is vouching for Meyers to produce in Las Vegas, unlike the consensus opinion.
In an article posted last week, Patra predicted, not only success but a breakout campaign for Meyers when paired with Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
Take a look at his rationale:
"At first blush, the addition of Meyers seems odd, given his overlapping skill-set with Hunter Renfrow, but I think the duo can fit in Las Vegas. Meyers played mostly from the slot but is proficient out wide, offering Josh McDaniels flexibility within the corps. The former Patriots receiver is adept over the middle, where new Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo does his best work, so Meyers should see a bevy of targets while in position to make plays. Trading tight end Darren Waller away also frees up space in the pass-catching pecking order. Davante Adams is the clear alpha and will remain the go-to receiver. But there is room for a No. 2 to eat. Given Renfrow's regression last season due to injury and McDaniels' apparent desire to import a player with similar skills, I'm betting the plan is for Meyers to have a big role in the offense in 2023."
Meyers registered 804 yards on 67 receptions in 2022 while posting a career-high six receiving touchdowns.
What is intriguing about Meyers is he represents a wide receiver with the ability to develop and the work ethic to improve.
Meyers originally arrived in New England as an undrafted rookie in 2019. He joined that club alongside first-round wide receiver N’Keal Harry. But Meyers was able to make the roster and develop a good rapport with whoever quarterback was throwing him the ball: Tom Brady, Cam Newton, and Mac Jones.
He has improved without quarterback stability.
Now, with Garoppolo pegged to be the starter for three years, and the Raiders committed to McDaniels, Meyers has the stability to be all of who he is meant to be as a receiver in the NFL.
It also helps that Meyers has McDaniels' blessing to be exactly who he is as a player.
"The two things you need to be good at in the NFL to be a good WR: get open and catch the ball," McDaniels said. "He does those things well."
Though the signing initially brought some surprise, it is apparent that those around the organization and in the NFL's media-sphere believe that Meyers can be a wide receiver that takes his game to the next level in 2023.
If he does so, the Raiders' offense will be in great hands.
