The Coastal Carolina Chanticleers have been very good this season, posting a 10-2 record this season. A large part of their success is the connection between QB Grayson McCall and TE Isaiah Likely. As a result, Likely’s draft stock has been steadily rising this season. So much so, in fact, that Isaiah Likely has received and accepted an invite to participate in the 2022 Senior Bowl. In this 2022 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown what makes Isaiah Likely so special. Further, we’ll look at how his skills and abilities will translate into the NFL.
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Isaiah Likely 40 Time
Isaiah Likely should run a 40 time in the high-4.6 range. In fact, I predict him to run a 4.68. This would put Likely slight above the league average for the tight end position. On game film, Isaiah Likely doesn’t immediately come off as someone capable of running in the 4.6 range. I’d like to see Likely show more explosiveness out of his routes at the NFL Combine, as well as his pro day. Furthermore, Isaiah Likely will have an opportunity to showcase his speed at the Senior Bowl in February.
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Isaiah Likely Injury History
Isaiah Likely has been a solid rock for Coastal Carolina. He missed one game in 2020 due to an undisclosed lower body injury. However, he was able to play through the injury for the rest of the season. Likely had surgery in the offseason for the injury. As a result, Isaiah Likely should get a green light during the medical process at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
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Isaiah Likely Scouting Report
Pros
- Uses Body Effectively To Create Space From Defender Throughout Route
- Very Good As An Inline Blocking Tight End
- Has A Wide Catch Radius
Cons
- Struggles As A Lead Blocker Behind The Line Of Scrimmage
- Needs To Improve As A Blocker In Open-Field
- Inconsistent Ability To Separate From Defender As Receiver
Isaiah Likely has been a four-year contributor for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. As a tight end, Likely will line up in-line with the offensive line, as well as lined up in the slot receiver or outside receiver positions. Likely has solid height and weight for the tight end position, as both measurements are near the league average. Furthermore, his predicted 40 time of 4.68 is slightly above the league average.
Likely has a solid ability to separate on short routes within the first ten yards of the line of scrimmage. He has solid explosiveness off of the line of scrimmage to get out into space quickly. He’s also capable of driving through defenders to create running lanes as an inline blocker. Has a wide catch radius and is capable of climbing the ladder to snag balls that are placed well-above his head. Displays a good ability to use his body to create separation from the defender at the top of the route.
Isaiah Likely can struggle at times to create separation from defenders on some intermediate and deep routes. I’d like to see him play with more explosiveness out of his routes versus man coverage. He has an adequate ability to attack defenders and establish leverage when blocking in the open-field. As a lead blocker behind the line of scrimmage, he has a marginal ability to identify blockers and create space for the ball carrier.
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Isaiah Likely NFL Draft Projection
Ultimately, I have Isaiah Likely pegged to come off the 2022 NFL Draft board in the first half of the third round. He’s shown vast improvement this season and is one of the better receiving tight ends in this class. However, he certainly isn’t the perfect prospect. He has his weaknesses, some of which he’ll need to correct if he wants to hang in the NFL long-term.
However, with Isaiah Likely accepting an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, his draft stock is almost certain to continue to rise. If he can put together a strong performance during the week of practice, as well as the game itself, NFL scouts will be sure to take notice. I have a fourth round grade on Likely, but ultimately believe that a team could target him in the third round as the NFL Draft process plays out.
