Isaiah Likely was the star of the Ravens’ first preseason game
Preseason is the first opportunity rookies get to go out and make a name for themselves, and Baltimore Ravens fourth-round pick Isaiah Likely did just that. Likely was very impressive in his first NFL game, the Ravens’ preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans.
The tight end out of Coastal Carolina finished with four receptions for 44 yards. He showed glimpses of being the player the Ravens drafted him to be.
Likely displayed excellent hands, catching balls in traffic on numerous occasions. He also looked incredible with the ball in his hands, making defenders miss with his elusiveness and quickness.
Although he was called for holding on multiple occasions when run blocking, Ravens coaches will be happy with his willingness to finish blocks.
The Ravens use more multiple tight end formations than any other team in the league. Having a weapon like Isaiah Likely to pair with All-Pro Mark Andrews will give the Ravens’ offense various ways to attack opposing defenses.
Isaiah Likely should be a major player in the Ravens’ offense
Earlier in the week head coach John Harbaugh said that Likely is “going to be a big part of the offense this year” and he showed why in the first quarter, catching a short pass in the flat before sending multiple defenders spinning and grasping at air.
In the second quarter, he made a sensational catch between two players, showing great concentration and very strong hands.
Pairing Likely with Andrews to go with that young receiver corps could prove very valuable for the Ravens in 2022 and beyond. Likely has all the qualities to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Lucky for him, he is on one of the best teams for helping a tight end develop and reach his potential.
Likely adds a new dynamic to the Ravens, a team that can already beat you in so many different ways. How do you deal with a 6-foot-4 pass catcher that will complement Mark Andrews?
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That’s the dilemma opposing defenses will face when it comes to Isaiah Likely.