New England Patriots: 5 players better off without Tom Brady
New England Patriots will find out more about Jakobi Meyers.
The feel-good story of last preseason was undrafted rookie free agent Jakobi Meyers.
The NC State product looked to be a hidden gem after he formed a rapport with Jarrett Stidham during the preseason.
That rapport didn’t translate into the regular season with Tom Brady. Meyers had a few nice catches, but it was obvious he wasn’t Brady’s most reliable target.
In playing 36 percent of the offensive snaps, Jakobi Meyers was the most productive rookie with 26 receptions for 359 yards. Not bad for the third or fourth option, but the New England Patriots need more from him in 2020 with the lack of receiver talent the team has.
Related Story. Jakobi Meyers needs to build off of 2019 performance. light
With the chemistry he has with Stidham, the second-year receiver should have more of a chance to produce and build off his rookie season. Understanding the offense a lot more, along with the experience of playing in an offense led by Tom Brady should help him even more with Brady not there…at least within his mental confidence.
"“Mentally, I want to be levels ahead of where I was last year,” Meyers told Paul Perillo in an interview with Patriots.com. “Understanding not only what we’re doing but also why we’re doing it. Earning trust to make the right play. I want to build on last year. It was a nice stepping stone, but I want to keep building and growing.”"
Despite the lack of receiving talent, Jakobi Meyers is not a lock to make the 2020 New England Patriots roster, but he does have a foot up on veteran newcomers like Marquise Lee and the undrafted rookie free agents coming in this year hoping to be what Meyers was last year.
In showcasing what he is capable of, it really comes down to gaining that trust. It will be a lot easier without a 43-year-old Tom Brady, who no longer has the patience in helping unproven young talent grow.