Isaiah Likely has athletic traits worth betting on in 2022 NFL Draft
Coastal Carolina tight end Isaiah Likely has the traits and production that’s worth a bet in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers stayed undefeated Thursday night, as they dominated Arkansas State 52-20. It was a dominant effort on offense, and a special performance from one player in particular. Isaiah Likely put up a memorable performance, one that will be remembered for a long time by Coastal fans. He caught eight passes for 232 yards and four touchdowns, one of which was a 99-yard scamper for six.
His incredible evening doubled his touchdowns for the season and nearly doubled his receiving total on the year. A night like this could mean Likely becomes more of a focal point in the offense going forward this season, and he could see his stock trending up as the 2022 NFL Draft process begins.
Of course, Isaiah Likely is firmly on the draft radar already, coming in at number 90 on the latest top 100 here at NFL Mocks. The traits are there when it comes to Likely’s game. He’s dynamic working into his stem with a strong speed release, and has the versatility to line up nearly everywhere in the offense. He’s aggressive when the ball is in the air, attacking and securing the football with great high pointing skills and body control. Likely also has the straight line speed to erase angles and turn any catch into a score, as he did in Coastal’s latest win.
Now, Likely is still pretty raw, and could afford to improving his skills as an inline tight end. He runs routes with his hands down too often and will need to work on using his hands to get through contact. His development will take time at the next level, as it often is with tight ends.
The good news is that Isaiah Likely has the one important trait that’s key for TEs to succeed at the next level: athleticism. Good athletes are always a better bet at the position, and Likely should be one of those. When the 2022 NFL Draft rolls around, betting on Likely is something this writer would do, and some NFL team should do as well. The value he brings in the passing game is worth it.