Panthers 2022 draft scouting report: Isaiah Likely has momentum

How would Isaiah Likely fit on the Carolina Panthers?

• Developmental TE, potential Year 2 starter

The Carolina Panthers will be banking on Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble to become bigger factors in the passing game under Ben McAdoo. Something that is certainly possible considering how much the offensive coordinator has depended on tight ends as part of his scheme over the years.

Adding someone with the capabilities of Isaiah Likely represents a nice backup option in the event Thomas and Tremble fluff their lines. This selection also comes with some long-term benefits providing the player bulks up a little and copes well with the increase in standards across the NFL.

One potential problem the Panthers have if they want Likely is that the organization doesn’t have a Day 2 pick currently after trades for Sam Darnold and C.J Henderson. The tight end is projected to go anywhere from Rounds 2-4 depending on what mock draft you look at, meaning Carolina could need to trade up to secure his services.

This would be a popular selection given Likely’s ability to make big plays. He also has the right work ethic that can be easily coached up into a special player.

The lack of top-end speed is a concern. But this didn’t affect Likely’s productivity at the college level and if he’s utilized in the right way, that is unlikely to change in the pros.

Carolina might stick with what it has for now. But if Likely fell into their laps for some unbeknown reason, then it could be extremely hard to pass up at No. 137.