Baltimore, MD – May 28
In a franchise known for its gritty defense and punishing ground game, a quiet revolution is brewing in Baltimore's passing attack. It doesn't start with Lamar Jackson, or even with the newly acquired DeAndre Hopkins. Instead, it begins with a name that, until recently, existed in the shadows of the Ravens' offensive machine: Isaiah Likely.
When head coach John Harbaugh addressed the media this week, he didn’t mince words about what he sees in his third-year tight end. "I want to see him be an All-Pro. That would be my goal for him, and he’s capable of it," Harbaugh declared. It’s not often that such high praise is reserved for a former fourth-round pick, especially one who has had to operate in the long shadow of Mark Andrews, the Ravens' longtime star at the position.
But Likely is making that shadow a little less imposing every time he steps onto the field. Though he started just nine games last season, his hybrid ability to line up across the formation turned heads, particularly during the Ravens' playoff run. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken didn’t just use Likely as a traditional tight end. He deployed him like a wide receiver trapped in a tight end’s frame — a dangerous combination that proved difficult for defenses to contain.
"In my mind, it’s either my ball or nobody’s," Likely said of his mindset in broken-play situations. That attitude paid off in clutch moments last season, as he became one of Lamar Jackson’s favorite targets when plays broke down and improvisation took over.
The challenge ahead is clear: carve out a larger role in an offense stacked with playmakers like Hopkins, Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and of course, Andrews. Likely averaged 3.6 targets per game in 2024 compared to Andrews’ 4.1, but that gap could shrink significantly if his production and chemistry with Jackson continue on their current trajectory.
As the Ravens look to diversify their aerial attack in 2025, Likely may prove to be more than just a backup. He could be the mismatch nightmare that forces defenses into uncomfortable choices — a hidden weapon finally stepping into the spotlight.
