Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Isaiah Likely has momentum
By Dean Jones
Isaiah Likely scouting report
- Height: 6-foot-4.5
- Weight: 245 pounds
- Arm length: 31.875 inches
- Hand size: 10 inches
- 40-yard dash: 4.8 seconds
- 2021 PFF grade: 93.3
Isaiah Likely steadily improved over his first three years at Coastal Carolina. The tight end increased in influence with every passing season and 2021 saw the player emerge as one of the top-performing prospects at the position anywhere in the country after attaining 59 receptions for 912 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, which was down in no small part to an elite connection with Grayson McCall – a projected first-round pick in 2023.
Likely has the length and athleticism to cause absolute havoc across the middle and in the red zone. He is versatile enough to make a difference in multiple alignments and also comes with some exceptional ability to create yards after the catch.
The prospect also has nice hands to catch under pressure. Likely might not be the most imposing physically, but he is a willing blocker that has flashed in this area chipping on the edge or at the second level.
One major concern where Likely is concerned would be speed. His stock has dropped during the evaluation process following disappointing testing at his pro day with an unofficial 40-yard dash time that came in at 4.8 seconds.
Likely has the tape to back up the fact he plays much faster than this. If the Carolina Panthers are looking to bolster their tight-end options, then this is definitely an option to consider and his previous connection to the region could help smooth the player’s transition.