Film Watched: App State 2021, Kansas 2021, Texas State 2020
Pro's:
Productive, playmaking tight end
Gamebreaker – capable of huge plays, averaging more than 15 yards per reception at Coastal Carolina
Impressive speed and has the ability to stretch the seam
Loose hips and incredibly agile; separation comes easy
Hands like glue, with frequent sideline circus catches
Dangerous with the ball in his hands, and has the acceleration to outrun defenders
Proficient run blocker – brings the desired commitment
Developed into a redzone threat in 2021 with 12 TD’s in 13 games
Con's:
Ideal height but lack of muscle mass on frame – still developing his body
Play strength a work in progress as a result
Competitive through contact, but when measured up correctly struggles to gain extra yardage
Struggles to match up in pass pro when tasked with handling bigger edge rushers
The Verdict:
“An unheralded prospect coming out of high school, Isaiah Likely headed to Myrtle Beach as something of an unknown commodity. He leaves as one of the best tight end prospects in this draft class and a big reason for the recent growth and success of the Chanticleer football program. Technically, there is very little concern about Likely’s skillset; he has all the requisite athleticism, ball skills and smarts to be a factor in the passing game. And despite not being as developed physically as needed, even that can be considered potential upside, as Likely possesses the frame to get bigger and stronger. He might find the transition difficult as he adapts to bigger, faster opponents, but as a long-term day two investment, Likely has as much potential for a productive NFL career as any other tight end this year.”
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.