Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Isaiah Likely has momentum

Could the Carolina Panthers potentially acquire Isaiah Likely at some stage during the 2022 NFL Draft to boost their tight-end options?

It was surprising to see Ian Thomas get an extension from the Carolina Panthers this offseason after the tight end offered almost nothing to the passing game as the team’s No. 1 option. The former fourth-round pick cannot be faulted for his blocking improvements, so perhaps there might be more to come considering how much new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo has relied on the position in the past.

Carolina also has high hopes for Tommy Tremble, who flashed enough to suggest he could be a useful weapon with a little more refinement during his rookie campaign. With that being said, looking towards an intriguing 2022 NFL Draft class for tight ends to give them one more option should be considered if the opportunity arises.

One prospect that certainly looks the part is Isaiah Likely, who played at nearby Coastal Carolina and became a phenomenal weapon for quarterback Grayson McCall in the passing game. He represents a matchup nightmare thanks to his size and unique athleticism, which can be developed into a potentially dynamic playmaker at the next level in the right fit.

This is an important draft for the Panthers. They have one selection in the top-135 and two or three major needs the team needs to fill in pursuit of improving their aspirations during the upcoming campaign.

Whether Likely fits into their draft plans or not is the big question. But we took a look at the prospect and what he could bring to the Panthers in this scenario.