Isaiah Likely: Rising NFL Star Tight End Making Waves in the League

In the competitive world of the NFL, few young players have generated as much excitement and potential as Isaiah Likely, the dynamic tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Likely has quickly become a name to watch, showing promise with every opportunity he’s given. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Isaiah Likely’s journey to the NFL, his playing style, stats, highlights, and what makes him a breakout candidate in the coming seasons.

Who is Isaiah Likely

Isaiah Likely is an American football tight end born on April 18, 2000, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He played college football at Coastal Carolina University, where he made a name for himself with his athleticism, reliable hands, and ability to stretch the field. At 6-foot-4 and weighing around 240 pounds, Likely combines size and speed to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties.

Isaiah Likely College Stats and Achievements

At Coastal Carolina, Likely was a dominant force. Over his four-year college career, he racked up:

133 receptions

2,050 receiving yards

27 touchdowns

His standout performance came in 2021, where he caught 59 passes for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns. Likely was named First-team All-Sun Belt and earned national attention for his explosive plays and deep-threat ability. One of his most memorable moments came against Arkansas State, where he hauled in an incredible 99-yard touchdown reception.

Isaiah Likely NFL Draft and Rookie Season

Isaiah Likely was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round (139th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. The pick was met with optimism, as many analysts believed the Ravens had found a hidden gem. With an offense built around Lamar Jackson and a system that values tight end production (think Mark Andrews), Baltimore was the ideal landing spot.

In his rookie season, Likely played in 16 games, starting two, and finished with:

36 receptions

373 receiving yards

3 touchdowns

He showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in games where Mark Andrews was unavailable. Likely proved he could handle a larger role when needed, demonstrating crisp route-running, reliable hands, and strong after-the-catch ability.

What Makes Isaiah Likely a Rising Star

Versatility and Athleticism

Isaiah Likely isn’t just a traditional tight end who blocks and catches short passes. He lines up all over the field — in the slot, out wide, and in tight formations. His route tree is more advanced than many young tight ends, and he’s capable of beating defenders in multiple ways.

Strong Hands and Ball Security

One of Likely’s biggest strengths is his hands. He rarely drops passes and has a knack for making contested catches in traffic. His strong hands, combined with excellent body control, make him a reliable target on third downs and in the red zone.

Chemistry with Lamar Jackson

Developing chemistry with the quarterback is crucial, and Likely has done just that. With Lamar Jackson’s improvisational playing style, Likely’s ability to adjust his routes and stay active during scrambles makes him a valuable asset in Baltimore’s offense.

Fantasy Football Outlook for Isaiah Likely

For fantasy football managers, Isaiah Likely is a high-upside sleeper to keep an eye on. While he currently plays behind Mark Andrews, injuries and two-tight end sets in Baltimore’s playbook give Likely opportunities to shine. If Andrews misses time, Likely has top-12 fantasy tight end potential.

In deeper dynasty leagues, Likely is a stash-worthy player with long-term appeal. His talent, age, and situation put him in a great position to eventually take on a starting role or be used in creative offensive packages.

Future Potential and Career Outlook

Isaiah Likely’s development in the NFL is just beginning. With each season, he’s gaining valuable experience and building confidence. If he continues to improve as a blocker and earns more snaps, it’s easy to envision him becoming one of the most dangerous pass-catching tight ends in the league.

As the Ravens offense evolves, Likely is poised to become a key contributor. Whether it’s making highlight-reel catches or converting critical third downs, Isaiah Likely is a player fans and analysts alike are watching closely.

FAQs

How tall is Isaiah Likely?

Isaiah Likely stands at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 240 pounds. His height and size make him a matchup nightmare for defenders, particularly in the red zone and during contested catches.

Where did Isaiah Likely play college football?

Isaiah Likely played college football at Coastal Carolina University, where he had an outstanding career. He finished his college career with 133 receptions, 2,050 yards, and 27 touchdowns. In his senior season (2021), he earned First-team All-Sun Belt honors.

What is Isaiah Likely’s playing style?

Isaiah Likely is known for his athleticism, versatility, and excellent ball skills. He can line up in various positions, including in the slot and out wide, making him a difficult player to cover. Likely is also known for his ability to make contested catches and create yards after the catch.

Is Isaiah Likely a good fantasy football pick?

Isaiah Likely is considered a high-upside fantasy football option, especially in deeper leagues. While he currently plays behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore’s offense, he has the potential to be a valuable fantasy contributor if Andrews misses time or if Likely’s role expands. He is a solid dynasty league pick for long-term value.

What is Isaiah Likely’s future in the NFL?

Isaiah Likely has a promising future in the NFL. With his size, skills, and ability to adapt in the Ravens’ offensive system, he could become a primary target in the passing game in the coming years. Likely’s development could see him become one of the top tight ends in the league.

To Conclude

Isaiah Likely has all the tools to become a breakout star in the NFL. His college production, athletic traits, and early flashes in Baltimore paint the picture of a tight end with a bright future. Whether you’re a fan of the Ravens, a fantasy football manager, or just love watching talented young players develop, Isaiah Likely is a name to remember.

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