Isaiah Likely | Coastal Carolina 6’4 ½” 245 lbs. | 04/18/2000 (Age 22)
Isaiah Likely was drafted 139th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the ninth tight end and 139th overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2018 (FR) | 7 | 12 | 106 | 8.8 | 5 |
| 2019 (SO) | 12 | 32 | 431 | 13.5 | 5 |
| 2020 (JR) | 10 | 30 | 601 | 20.0 | 5 |
| 2021 (SR) | 13 | 59 | 912 | 15.5 | 12 |
A converted tight end from wide receiver, Likely was pegged as a two-star recruit out of Everett High School in Madlen, MA. He received mainly FCS offers and went on to choose Coastal Carolina as his school of choice. After a somewhat quiet freshman season (tied for first in receiving touchdowns with five), Likely broke out as a sophomore in 2019. He led the team in again in receiving touchdowns with five and hauled in 32 passes for 431 yards. He took another leap forwards, as he again hauled in five touchdowns in 2020, but snagged 30 receptions for 601 yards. His 20.0 yards per reception average ranked 10th in all of FBS in 2020. Once again, he increased his draft stock with another career-best season in 2021. Likely tied for eighth in the FBS with 12 receiving touchdowns. That landed him first amongst tight ends, and he also produced 912 receiving yards on 59 receptions. On top of that, he helped Coastal Carolina win their first-ever bowl game by defeating Northern Illinois in the Tailgreeter Cure Bowl, as he hauled in seven receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns.
STRENGTHS
Strong hands and can go up and snag the ball in contested situations. Showcases great route-running potential and excels in comeback routes, as he sinks for abrupt stops at a rapid rate. Football IQ is off the charts, as he adjusts accordingly when the plays break down. Big-play threat. Hauled in five career touchdown receptions of 50 yards or more.
WEAKNESSES
Occasionally loses focus both as a route-runner and as a run-blocker. Late to react and show his hands when coming out of breaks. Needs to sell his routes at the second level at a better clip. A bit undersized for his position.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At the NFL combine, Likely measured in at 6’4 ½” and 245 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 29.4. The only two drills he participated in at the combine were the vertical jump (36”) and the 20-yard shuttle (4.57). At his Pro Day, he ran a 4.88 40-yard dash (24th percentile), which at his height and weight equates to an 87.1-speed score (17th percentile). Likely also recorded a 124.5 burst score (85th percentile) and a college dominator of 31.4 percent (90th percentile).
Likely doesn’t possess any elite traits or skills. His hand size (10”), arm length (31 ⅞“), and wingspan (78 ⅛“) are ideal sizes for a pro tight end. He also doesn’t show any major red flags right away either.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Poor
Likely was selected with the 139th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
Just 11 picks removed from drafting Charlie Kolar, Baltimore adds another tight end in Likely, who will now join Mark Andrews and Nick Boyle in one of the most crowded tight end rooms in the league.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Likely will get a chance to prove himself, as he will battle Boyle and Kolar for the TE2 spot behind Andrews. Because of his landing spot, there’s no need in targeting Likely in any league format. It’s hard to be optimistic about a tight end buried on the depth chart who also plays on a team that struggles to pass the ball.
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