Isaiah Likely

Isaiah Likely Player Profile

Summary

Isaiah Likely was selected in Round 4 (#141 Overall) in the 2022 Draft out of Coastal Carolina University. Likely is a 6′4″, ~245‑pound tight end who emerged as one of college football’s most productive receiving TEs during his tenure at Coastal Carolina. In his 2021 senior season he recorded 59 catches for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns. He offers excellent receiving ability for a tight end, with soft hands, good body control, and after‑the‑catch potential. At the same time, his blocking and physicality in that aspect of the position were flagged as areas needing development. He projects as a “move” or “hybrid” tight end who can create mismatches in the receiving game rather than a full‑time inline Y‑TE blocker from Day One.

Strengths

  • Receiving ability & ball skills: Likely consistently made tough catches, showed strong hand‑eye coordination and body control catching passes outside his frame. PFSN

  • Route‑running and separation for his size: He demonstrates the ability to work through the intermediate seams, gain separation, and turn receptions into chunk plays.

  • Yards after catch (YAC) threat: Once in space, Likely uses his agility, acceleration and toughness to gain extra yards and break tackles. Bleacher Report

  • Versatility in alignment: He lined up in multiple roles—inline, H‑back, motion—and offers flexibility in how he’s used in the offense. PFSN

  • Big‑play potential & scoring upside: Overall production and touchdown rate show he can be a red‑zone/vertical threat. Bleacher Report

Weaknesses

  • Blocking and in‑line physicality: His blocking technique is under‑developed, his strength isn’t elite, and he may struggle to sustain blocks against NFL‑caliber defenders.

  • Size/strength profile for a full‑time TE: At 245 lbs and 6′4″, he is somewhat lighter than traditional “Y” tight ends and may be overpowered in heavy run‑blocking roles or when matched against large linebackers/defensive ends. Last Word On Sports

  • Route‑tree breadth / blocking commitment: Route tree is less diverse (he excels vertically/mismatches) and his willingness or effectiveness as a blocker is limited. Bleacher Report

  • Release vs. press and contested catch concerns: While a strong catch‑point player, he may struggle when pressed early at the line or when initial separation is limited. CBS Sports

Fit & Outlook

Isaiah Likely fits best in an offense that utilizes the tight end as a receiving weapon—particularly one that lines him up off the line (slot, flex, H‑back), uses motion, and creates mismatches rather than relying on him as a full‑time inline blocker on every snap. In such a scheme, he can thrive as a “move” tight end, a third‑down matchup piece, or a secondary receiving threat capable of stretching defenses and contributing in the red zone. Looking ahead, the outlook for Likely is promising. His floor is as a situational receiving tight end who sees meaningful snaps, particularly in passing situations and in two‑tight end sets. With growth—specifically added strength, improved blocking technique, and expanded role in the run game—his upside could be as a high‑end TE2 or flex starter who can put up 500‑700 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns per season. If he fails to improve his blocking or his role remains limited, he may remain more specialized as a receiving mismatch rather than evolving into the full three‑down tight end archetype.