Diving into Isaiah Likely's Potential as a Rookie Tight End in the NFL
- Jeremy Vest
- Aug 12, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 16
Our thoughts on Baltimore Ravens' rookie tight end, Isaiah Likely.
"...he has NFL starting potential due to his loose athleticism before and after the catch."
Measurables:
6'4" 245 lbs
22 years old
31 7/8" arms, 10" hands, 78 1/8" wingspan
Pro Day/Combine: 4.82 40, 36" Vert, 10'3" Broad, 4.57 Shuttle
5 TDs on 12 receptions his freshman year; 12 TDs his senior year
Strengths:
Above-average athlete and a threat at all levels
Great release and acceleration into routes
Drops are rare; only 1 on 77 targets in 2021
Loose hips and hand-eye coordination allow for fluid adjustments on the ball
Good effort as a blocker
Five catches of 55+ yards the last two seasons; catch and run skills
27 TDs across 4 seasons at Coastal Carolina (5/5/5/12)
Weaknesses:
Not a lot of bulk and average-sized frame for the position
Lacks the strength to halt defenders at the point of engagement
Blocking all-around needs work
Allows contact to disrupt his routes
Can lose focus when there is a crowd at the catch point
Ankle surgery after the 2020 season; coaches did say he often played through injury
Scouting Report
Isaiah Likely was a 3-year starter at Coastal Carolina. He's a versatile tight end with great hands and rare fluidity in his movement. As a senior, he was the number 2 tight end in the FBS in receiving yards (912) and touchdowns (12). He likely has excellent YAC skills, and his toughness helps him gain extra yards with regularity. While he does need to work on being more physical and efficient as a blocker, he has NFL starting potential due to his loose athleticism before and after the catch and ability to adjust to the football. We may not see much of Isaiah in his rookie season with the Ravens, but he could be involved somehow. As we always say for rookie tight ends: You'll probably be waiting at least a couple of years for any consistency. For now, He's worth a late-round stash or cheap waiver add.
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