Likely is leading all first team receivers in catches “by a wide margin,” and his chemistry with QB Jaxson Dart is already turning heads. Malik Nabers’ absence is helping inflate the opportunity, and Likely is taking advantage.
Dart has shown a clear willingness to target his tight ends, and that could be a massive fantasy boost. Currently going around the fringe Top 12 tight ends, Likely would be a clear fantasy draft value if this connection carries into the regular season. Likely is currently PlayerProfiler’s TE14 for redraft fantasy fantasy football drafts.
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely's stock continues ...
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely caught both of his ...
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely could be ready to ...
The drumbeat for Isaiah Likely continues to build as training camp reports confirm early chemistry with quarterback Jaxson Dart, positioning the tight end as the clear No. 2 option behind Malik Nabers. Possessing explosive athleticism highlighted by a 124.5 Burst Score (84th percentile), Likely was parked behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore, but his profile features a 31.4-percent College Dominator Rating (92nd percentile) that should translate to high target volume.
Currently falling into the 10th round of fantasy drafts, Likely offers ideal late-round upside for managers who choose to bypass the top-tier tight ends. With a empty cupboard behind Nabers, Jaxson Dart continues to be a Likely’s greatest risk factor. He is ranked as PlayerProfiler’s TE16 for high-stakes and redraft fantasy football leagues.
With Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton dealing with injuries, Isaiah Likely emerged as the focal point during practices over veterans Odell Beckham Jr. and JuJu Smith-Schuster. This early momentum follows a muted 2025 campaign where Likely posted a 57.0-percent Snap Share and averaged 4.4 Fantasy Points Per Game.
Stepping into a target competition vacuum, Likely’s underlying efficiency metrics illuminates a clear path to securing a Top-12 ceiling at the position. At just 26 years old with an 84th percentile Burst Score, Likely is a high floor, high ceiling pick in seasonal leagues and fantasy football dynasty formats, in particular.
Whatever that means, John. The bottom line is Giants beat writers expect to see a lot of 12-personnel in 2026, positioning Isaiah Likely for a statistical surge this season. Though Theo Johnson is technically more athletic, Likely is a lock for the higher volume move tight end role in New York.
Though still speculative, Likely offers significant upside as a featured passing game option for the first time in his career. Nabers can’t soak up 200 targets, which makes Likely an obvious buy in dynasty, “likely” requiring an overpay at this point in the offseason.
After a 2024 season that had many excited about Isaiah Likely’s future, his 2025 season never gained traction for a breakout, as he broke his fifth metatarsal in training camp. It took until Thanksgiving for Likely to regain his trust in his abilities. He posted 27 receptions, 307 yards and one touchdown in 14 games.
Likely understands the Ravens have given extensions to veterans Mark Andrews and Rashad Bateman. Business is business, and this probably forces him to test the market. With his athleticism and ability to be a significant weapon in the passing game, plenty of suitors will be in contact once the market opens and pen can meet paper. Likely currently has an ADP of 147 on FastDraft, which is surely to climb once he joins a new team.
Author: Dane Madoche (@FF_DaMaddog)
Rumors of a Mark Andrews demise were sorely overstated. The Ravens all time leading receiver will stay in Baltimore for 3 more years to the tune of $39.3 million.
The move comes at the surprise of those who thought Isaiah Likely would take over the TE1 role, allowing Andrews to leave in free agency. The Ravens value Andrews as does star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Andrews’ 9.2 fantasy points per game rank 19th, however the 6 seasons prior, Andrews ranked 7th or better in that metric. His dynasty value is a whole lot safer with his new 3-year deal.
Author: Jeremiah Retzlaff (@coachretzlaff1)
