Rookie TE Isaiah Likely was the unquestioned star of Ravens minicamp

The Baltimore Ravens have high hopes for quite a few players in their 2022 NFL Draft class, but one player who mustn’t be overlooked is rookie tight end Isaiah Likely.

Drafted in the fourth round by the Ravens, Likely joins a crowded tight end room alongside fellow rookie Charlie Kolar. And while many were excited to see rookies like Kyle Hamilton and Tyler Linderbaum take the field this spring, it was Likely who shined the brightest.

The 22-year-old made plays all throughout the week with Jonas Shaffer of the Baltimore Sun and many others describing him as a potential “star” in the making.

His most impressive performance came during the final day of Ravens minicamp on Thursday when he hauled in a handful of impressive catches including multiple one-handed grabs.

It hasn’t taken Likely long to make an impact, and his strong spring has many wondering what kind of role he could play in 2022 and beyond.

Isaiah Likely has made a strong first impression with the Ravens

When the Ravens were slated to select again at pick 139 in the 2022 NFL Draft, they were reportedly eyeing Memphis wide receiver Calvin Austin III.

Austin was seen as a logical choice given the team’s obvious hole at the wide receiver position, but when the team’s AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, selected him one spot before the Ravens were set to pick, general manager Eric DeCosta and company had to pivot.

Rather than reach for another wide receiver, they opted to take Likely — a decision that confused many fans at the time, especially after the selection of Kolar earlier in the draft.

Nonetheless, the athletic Likely could effectively serve as an additional wide receiver given his strength as a receiver. That’s the type of potential he flashed this spring.

Likely is in completion with the likes of Kolar, Nick Boyle, and Josh Oliver for snaps at tight end, sure, but he’s also competing with the wide receivers for reps out wide.

Simply put, if Likely continues to impress, the Ravens will find ways to get him on the field.

With all the talk around Lamar Jackson and his contact situation, Likely’s excellent minicamp has flown a little under the radar. But make no mistake about it, Isaiah Likely was the unquestioned star of the week.