Since 2021, Jakobi Meyers has established himself as a reliable target in the NFL, ranking 17th among players with at least 50 games in receptions per game (4.97). This places him ahead of notable names such as Mike Evans, DeVonta Smith, Tee Higgins, DK Metcalf, and Terry McLaurin. Despite lacking the explosive playmaking ability of some peers, Meyers’ steady weekly contributions hold distinct value, especially given the prevalence of umbrella defenses. His dependable presence for the Las Vegas Raiders has gone largely unrecognized in fantasy drafts, where he often slips below a top-35 receiver status even with improvements at quarterback and minimal competition beyond Brock Bowers for targets.
The Evolution of Meyers’ Role and Fantasy Relevance
Jakobi Meyers entered the NFL undrafted out of NC State and slowly grew into a prominent slot receiver during his tenure with the New England Patriots. Early in his career, his lack of touchdowns over 38 games and nearly 200 targets cast doubt on his fantasy appeal. However, in 2021, Meyers caught 83 passes despite minimal fanfare, then significantly increased his scoring output in 2022 by tripling his career touchdown total in just 14 games.
Despite this growth, his move to the Raiders saw many fantasy managers hesitant to draft him, necessitating extra persuasion during 2023 drafts. Yet Meyers validated that faith by surpassing 800 receiving yards for a third consecutive season and doubling his career touchdown count with eight scores. His production occurred in a struggling Raiders offense that ranked near the bottom in yards per pass, passer rating, and scoring. Even as Brock Bowers emerged as a dominant target, Meyers remained a productive fantasy option for PPR formats.
Comparing Meyers to Elite Receivers and Slot Usage Trends
Among receivers with the most games over 90 receiving yards in the latter half of last season, Meyers’ name appears alongside elite players such as Puka Nacua, Ja’Marr Chase, and Justin Jefferson. While this highlights his ability to deliver solid performances, his slot usage with the Raiders has decreased recently. Whether this decline reflects a shift away from winning in that role or a strategic attempt to compensate for overall offensive inefficiencies remains uncertain.
DJ Turner’s heavy deployment in the slot last season suggests the Raiders could emphasize that area, especially with a more competent quarterback under center. Meyers averaged more PPR points per slot target than Brock Bowers last season, indicating potential for increased activity in this role as the Raiders refine their offense. In a league where quarterback Geno Smith led in slot targets with a high completion rate, the significance of slot receivers like Meyers becomes even clearer.
Draft Value and Future Outlook in PPR Formats
According to Fantasy Football Scout’s Mock Draft Simulator, Jakobi Meyers’ value aligns around the WR40 range, placing him alongside players with star potential but lesser quarterback situations like Chris Olave and Jerry Jeudy, as well as established fantasy veterans such as Deebo Samuel and Stefon Diggs. Despite this comparable value, Meyers remains overlooked by many fantasy managers who undervalue his consistent floor and opportunity.
The price for Meyers in drafts has become less disrespectful compared to past seasons, yet the hesitation to select him at his current ranking persists. This likely results from his unflashy style and history of delayed scoring impact, but the combination of volume, target share, and reliable slot production suggests Meyers is a mistake to bypass. His ability to deliver solid PPR fantasy flex value could provide an edge to managers willing to trust in his steady output.
The Significance of Choosing Meyers for Your Roster
In a fantasy landscape that often rewards highlight plays and touchdown upside, Jakobi Meyers’ steady presence offers a contrasting but crucial alternative. His consistent receptions, target security, and role in an offense showing glimpses of improvement create an underappreciated fantasy asset. As other receivers around his draft range face greater inconsistency or injury risk, Meyers’ reliability stands out.
Managers looking to build a balanced roster should consider Meyers’ profile carefully. His statistical production, slot specialization, and draft cost combine to make him a compelling PPR fantasy flex option, especially in formats emphasizing receptions and consistent yardage over occasional big plays. Targeting Jakobi Meyers beyond the initial surge of early receiver selections could provide significant fantasy returns throughout the season.