The Las Vegas Raiders appear to have struck gold with Jakobi Meyers, who has officially cemented himself as the team’s top wide receiver in 2024. Meyers’ breakout season not only silenced doubts about his ability to fill big shoes but also showcased his superiority to former Raider Davante Adams, who departed in pursuit of greener pastures.
Adams, now with the New York Jets, had a tumultuous year, posting 85 receptions, 1,063 yards, and eight touchdowns—numbers respectable by most standards but a noticeable drop-off for a player of his caliber. Despite reuniting with his former quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Adams struggled to replicate the dominance he displayed during his first year in Las Vegas.
In contrast, Meyers flourished under challenging conditions, tallying 87 receptions, 1,027 yards, and four touchdowns, despite enduring a revolving door of quarterbacks—including Gardner Minshew II, Aidan O’Connell, and Desmond Ridder—and inconsistent play-calling.
Meyers Steps into the Spotlight
Meyers didn’t just meet expectations; he exceeded them, becoming a beacon of stability in a turbulent season for the Raiders. His ability to make clutch catches and produce in high-pressure situations made him the undisputed WR1. Even Davante Adams had sung his praises before leaving Las Vegas, calling Meyers “the best-kept secret in the league.”
“He’s the best-kept secret in the league for me,” Adams said last May. “I love watching his tapes; I’d be watching the third guy if I like what he does.”
Raiders beat writer Hondo Carpenter also foresaw Meyers’ ascension, comparing his training camp performance to none other than Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson:
“I’ve only seen one camp like Jakobi’s this year, and that was Calvin Johnson’s,” Carpenter said. “Anything that came his direction, he caught.”
Superior to Adams in 2024
While Adams left for stability with Rodgers and the Jets, Meyers stayed with the Raiders and proved he could thrive even amid chaos. Their similar statistical output underscores one major difference: Meyers delivered without a star quarterback or stable offensive leadership.
Adams’ departure highlighted his dissatisfaction with the Raiders’ quarterback carousel, yet Meyers embraced the challenge and emerged as the team’s most reliable offensive weapon.
A Promising Future
Paired with rookie superstar tight end Brock Bowers, Meyers gives the Raiders a dynamic aerial threat heading into 2025. If Las Vegas can secure a franchise quarterback, the duo could form one of the league’s most dangerous receiving tandems.
For now, one thing is clear: Jakobi Meyers isn’t just a WR1—he’s the WR1 Las Vegas needs to rebuild its offense and contend in the AFC West.
