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Baltimore Ravens: Could Isaiah Likely Reach Rare Air As A Rookie?

By Jacob Schyvinck

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 11: Isaiah Likely #80 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 11: Isaiah Likely #80 of the Baltimore Ravens carries the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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Isaiah Likely has been a star in the preseason for the Baltimore Ravens. Could he reach some “rare air” as a rookie?

The Baltimore Ravens grabbed headlines (as they often do) in the 2022 NFL Draft, with impressive value selections in every round. They had several fourth round selections, and used them on a variety of positions. One of those selections was Coastal Carolina tight end Isaiah Likely, who had a productive final season with the Chanticleers, including an eight-catch, 232-yard, four touchdown performance against Arkansas State.

Likely has already made his mark in the preseason for the Ravens as well. He made a couple nice plays against the Titans, winning a contested ball and making two defenders miss in space on a third and short. Against the Cardinals in week two, Likely caught eight passes for 200 yards and a touchdown.

Baltimore is currently trying to figure things out with the skill positions. J.K. Dobbins is working back from a difficult injury, leaving questions at the running back position. A Rashod Bateman breakout is expected, but there are questions about who becomes WR2 behind him. Obviously Mark Andrews is the de facto top target in the offense, but there’s sill much to determine.

Likely emerging early would be huge for the the Ravens. His receiving ability was always the draw to his game. His explosiveness, natural hands, short area quickness, and catch point prowess make him an interesting WR/TE hybrid, perhaps even a power slot. The Ravens love using multiple tight ends in the passing game, and Likely’s ability should earn him some playing time. His receiver skill set could potentially vault him to “WR2” in the offense if no one else steps up.

Rare air is a difficult thing to reach as a rookie tight end. The position is one that doesn’t see productive rookie seasons often. Evan Engram had a good rookie campaign, and no one will match what Kyle Pitts did last year. But, Likely could post some decent numbers in an offense that’s looking for someone to break out, earn more opportunities, and perhaps reach that rarified air.

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