Isaiah Likely 2025 NFL Redraft Outlook: Injury Roadblock for Contract Season

Isaiah Likely. Write that name down, circle it, underline it, and star it twice. Because this guy? He’s a wildcard in every sense of the word heading into the 2025 season. For fantasy football managers, he’s either your shrewd late-round sleeper pick or the bench stash who just might win you a week or two when it matters most. He’s the perfect blend of potential, opportunity (on occasion), and pure football tenacity.

If you’re a fan of the Ravens or simply someone who is plugged into Lamar Jackson’s offense, you already know the deal. Likely’s trajectory has always been just on the verge of breaking into something bigger. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing a beefy 245 pounds, the Coastal Carolina alum has been clawing for his moment since making it into the league as a fourth-round pick in 2022.

Isaiah Likely 2024 Stats and Fantasy Production

Ah, here’s the catch. Likely operates in an offense where Mark Andrews remains the big dog. Andrews consistently draws both snap counts and targets like a kid in a candy store. But when Andrews isn’t on the field? Likely lights up. The stats don’t lie.

Over the nine games Andrews has missed in the last three seasons, Likely’s numbers have been nothing short of impressive. He averages 3.4 catches, 50.3 yards, and 0.7 touchdowns in those games. Stretch that over a 17-week season, and you’re looking at 58 receptions, 855 yards, and 11 TDs. Those are TE1 numbers, folks.

That “if” is exactly the kind of thing fantasy managers love and hate at the same time. When Andrews is around? Likely is more of a background ancillary pass-catcher, chiming in for the occasional big play. When Andrews is off the stage? Likely steps forward as Jackson’s go-to guy.

Of course, just when the drumroll for Likely’s breakout season begins, we’ve got an interruption from the injury gods. It’s not great news: Likely is set for surgery on a broken bone in his foot, putting him on the shelf for around six weeks. According to Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, it’s not a “major type of deal,” but it’s enough to potentially sideline him through parts of training camp and possibly the opening of the regular season.

This injury does nothing to help Likely’s fantasy value, especially for someone who already competes for touches with Andrews. It ensures the roles stay crystal clear early in the season, with Andrews being Lamar Jackson’s go-to receiving tight end. That said, a healed-up Likely later in the season still provides managers with a “potential lottery ticket” if injuries strike Baltimore’s offense again.

Isaiah Likely 2025 Fantasy Outlook