The Las Vegas Raiders offense will look a lot more different in the 2024 season as they’ll have a new starting quarterback and running back leading the way.
As things stand, Gardner Minshew is expected to be the new starter, although head coach Antonio Pierce hasn’t ruled out Aidan O’Connell as an option. For the backfield, Zamir White is slated to take over lead back duties after Josh Jacobs signed with the Green Bay Packers in free agency.
However, there’ll be some continuity in the wide receiver room as both Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers are set to man the No. 1 and No. 2 positions, respectively. Adams will, of course, draw the most attention, though that shouldn’t underscore Meyers’s ability as a receiver.
In fact, Los Angeles Rams rookie sensation Puka Nacua called Meyers the most underrated wideout in the NFL via Maxx Crosby’s podcast “The Rush”:
“He plays for you guys, 16,” Nacua said.” “I love watching his tape.”
Crosby couldn’t help but gush about his teammate after Nacua mentioned him and recounted a story about when he first realized how good he was:
“He’s nasty, and he’s a dog,” Crosby said. “He catches everything — 50/50 balls, anything in traffic, he’s coming down with it. But his route running is underrated. I wasn’t aware of his game like that.
“He came into joint practice the year before when he was in New England — this was in 2022 — he came over there, and they were talking about Jakobi Meyers like this is their guy. … I didn’t know — like, I knew he was a good player — but I didn’t — bro, he was hooping out there. And then getting to see him in practice, some of his routes. Bro, he’s a taller guy. Like, he’s not a small, short. Bro, he cuts on a dime. He makes people look silly.”
Despite uneven play from the quarterback position in 2023, Meyers still managed to record 71 receptions for 807 yards and eight touchdowns. A reliable No. 2 option, Meyers is a smooth route runner with sure hands that can win individual matchups downfield.
If the Raiders want to make another jump in 2024, they’ll need to feature Meyers more in the passing game.
Raiders scheduled to meet with Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Las Vegas owns the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and can take several different paths. One path is to draft their next franchise quarterback, and they will meet with Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., who appears to be an option for the Silver and Black.
