Rookie Spotlight: Jakobi Meyers, North Carolina State University
Height: 6016 (official)
Weight: 196 lbs (official)
Hands: 9 5/8”
Arm: 30 6/8”
40 yard dash: 4.59 (projected)
NFL Comparison: Mohamed Sanu, Allen Hurns

Pros
– solid footwork
– good concentration catching the ball in traffic
– makes contested catches

Cons
– lacks explosiveness
– inconsistent route running

Scouting Notes: Jakobi Meyers looks a lot slower on tape than he really is. This is because he’s not a particularly explosive player. That being said, Meyers has a knack for catching the ball in traffic, despite his coverage, a skill that allowed him 92 receptions out of the slot in 2018, a school record. Meyers has long arms for his height, and he’s adept at placing them right where they need to be to bring the ball in out of the reach of defenders. And though he lacks burst, Meyers has solid footwork that often leaves corners in the dust, at least for long enough for the ball to get to him. Not much is happening after the catch, Meyers isn’t very elusive and he doesn’t bulldoze tacklers, but he’ll drag a defender or two for a couple extra yards. His route running leaves me scratching my head at times. On one play, he’ll do everything right; break in and out of his cuts on a dime and catch the ball away from his body. On the next, he’ll over sell his route or cut to early/late. He’ll need to develop consistency in that department to succeed at the next level. All in all, Meyers manages to get the job done, despite his lack of overt athleticism. What we saw at the Senior Bowl validates what we saw of him on film. A nice player, capable of flashing great traits at times, but doesn’t consistently seem to do any one thing at an elite level through the course of a week of practices.

Fantasy Outlook: Meyers will need to test well at the Combine to really stand out amongst the competition. For a slot-receiver though, he’s an imposing figure, and that could help boost his stock. He’s big enough and has good enough vertical routes to play the outside in the NFL too. I’m just not sold on his ability to get by NFL caliber corners on a regular basis, as he’s mainly depending on footwork to do so. Meyers only caught 4 TDs in 2018, despite breaking that reception record for NC State, which is a bad omen for fantasy production. He could be an asset in PPR formats though, with his sticky hands and wide catch radius. His upside is the question, and upside is what we want out of rookie receivers in dynasty. I’m waiting until the Combine to be sold on Meyers as a strong fantasy buy.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Like all rookie profiles, this one will continue to be updated through the winter and spring with intel as we acquire it. When applicable/available, these profiles will be supplemented with transcriptions of scouting combine interviews with the players following the event.

From the NC State Athletic Department
• Converted quarterback who has turned into one of the team’s top receivers.

• Ranks eighth in the ACC in receptions per game (5.3).

• Led the team in receptions in six games, including the last three.

• Turned in three 100-yard receiving games for the season.

• Had the second-longest pass play of the season – a 71-yard touchdown reception – in the win at Florida State.

• Had 112 yards on five catches in that victory.

• Had his 2nd 100-yard game vs. Clemson with a career-high 9 grabs for 105 yards, his third in the regular season finale with UNC.

• Won the team’s 2017 Alpha Rising Awrad for most improved player.