5 studs the Panthers should montior from Senior Bowl practice Day 3

Isaiah Likely – TE (Coastal Carolina)

For all the talk of pass-catchers entering the Senior Bowl, perhaps no wide receiver currently in Mobile has better hands than tight end Isaiah Likely. The Coastal Carolina product has lit up the event with a unique blend of size, burst, and athleticism, which is sure to make NFL teams salivate at the prospect of landing the player this spring.

Likely has it all. His connection with quarterback Grayson McCall was one of college football’s most dynamic, which resulted in 53 receptions for 912 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns from 13 games in 2021.

This is the sort of player every NFL team is looking for. The tight end spot has evolved into one of real importance in the passing game and one only has to look at how the Carolina Panthers have struggled to fill the void left by Greg Olsen as a prime example of this notion.

Carolina has multiple needs that will probably take priority over Likely, even though he’d no doubt make a significant difference to whoever is under center. Providing he can improve the blocking aspect of playing the position, then someone is going to have a real prospect on their hands.

Likely is a mismatch nightmare for outside linebackers or slot cornerbacks. While he might not have elite speed, he more than makes up for this with ball skills and a rare ability to catch well under pressure.