Jakobi Meyers Has Some Nice Traits At WR; How Can The Redskins Get The Most Out Of Him?

Jakobi Meyers, WR
School: NC State | Conference: ACC
College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 22?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 203 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 4th or 5th Round
NFL Comparison: DaeSean Hamilton

College Statistics

Player Overview

Jakobi Meyers was a originally a dual-threat QB when he was being recruited as a 2-star prospect from Lithonia, Georgia. After receiving a redshirt his freshman year Meyers took a couple snaps at QB but was most effective being sent out wide as a receiver. Going into his RS Junior year he was officially converted to wide receiver. It was a good decision by the coaching staff. Meyers became one of the most prolific WRs in NC State history in short order. He’ll finish 8th in all-time receiving yards in school history (1,932), and 5th in career receptions (168) just behind his teammate Kelvin Harmon. He also broke Torrey Holt’s single season reception record this past season (92). Meyers has improved his hands, route running, agility and get off on the LOS so much over the course of his career. He was looking to put up good athletic testing numbers going into the combine but fell short outside of his vertical. That backs up what you see on film though. Meyers uses his leaping ability and quickness at the top of his routes to create separation. Meyers draft grade is likely to range widely from team to team but he has the skill set to be a productive slot receiver at the next level who could potentially move outside on certain plays.

Strengths

• Good size, athleticism, and catching ability.
• Meyer’s strongest qualities are his hands and route running. Primarily operating out of the slot he ran a lot of crossers, a lot of outs to the sidelines but also some deep seams. His footwork is good and he shows decent quickness in his release of the LOS. Because of his lack of speed he creates separation by keeping his routes efficient and using his body to shield the ball.
• Natural hands stand out as he frames the catch away from his body. Shows good tracking ability and concentration through the process. Has several highlight reel catching in his career where he shows these traits along with impressive leaping ability and body control.
• Competent and willing as a blocker.

Weaknesses

• Below average speed and athleticism as far as short area quickness. This ought to knock him down a few pegs and have people questioning his ability to remain in the slot at the next level. It will be much harder for him to create separation in the NFL if he doesn’t improve his quickness or route running as it stands.
• Going to be more of a possession receiver who you can count to catch the ball and get a few yards after instead of a guy that can stretch the field or catch a short pass and take it to the house. Lacks the agility to make many moves in open space to shake defenders.
• All things considered still relatively inexperienced as a wide receiver. As he takes the leap to the NFL it is probably going to take even more time than normal for him to really produce at the level he’s capable of because if experience and his lack of athleticism.

Let’s see his work:

More Jakobi Meyers videos

How He Would Fit On The Redskins

Meyers won’t be the Redskins new #1, #2, or even #3 WR but if the team is patient and develops him over the course of his rookie contract he could develop into a solid #4. Think of guys like DaeSean Hamilton, Ricardo Louis, Demarcus Robinson etc. None of these guys are going to blow you away with their 200-400 receiving yards per season and a couple of touchdowns but they play an important overall role in the passing game. I view Meyers as this type of receiver. He’ll do a lot of unheralded work (special teams coverage and blocking for his teammates) but when he gets his opportunity you’ll know he’ll catch it. Everyone’s attention is focused on the top of the depth chart between the below average production the team has gotten from Josh Doctson and Paul Richardson but the Redskins do need a slot guy as well as depth down through the position. Meyers is going to come in and compete and win a roster spot over other guys because of his fundamentals already established in the two skills most important for a receiver.