The Baltimore Ravens saw many different young players step up and contribute during their 23-10 preseason win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. One of the most impressive players on the offensive side of the ball was rookie tight end Isaiah Likely, who finished with four catches for 42 yards, including a few nifty jukes and a spectacular contested grab.
While Likely was great as a pass catcher, he showed that he has some improvements to make as a blocker, being called for two holding penalties that negates gains. When asked about his performance, Likely gave his assessment of what went on during Thursday night’s game, especially in regards to his blocking.
“It’s just adversity. Coming into your first game, there are a lot of things happening at once and your excitement level is at an all-time high, especially playing in the National Football League. So, there are just things I’ve got to clean up – myself, in blocking, hand placement – and just keep on building upon them.”
Likely was also asked about the comments that head coach John Harbaugh made about his “extra” jukes, to which the rookie agreed with.
“I definitely agree with him. (laughter) Getting your first NFL catch, my mind was racing. It was just, ‘Isaiah, go left, Isaiah, go right. Go forward. Get the first down.’ So, just everything in my mind. At the end of the play, I was just like, ‘Isaiah, just get the first down.’ And, that’s what I did.”
Likely was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft by the Ravens, and now enters a very talented tight end room that also includes Mark Andrews, Nick Boyle and fellow rookie Charlie Kolar. It was and incredibly encouraging debut for the formal Coastal Carolina star, and he’ll hope to build upon his performance in Baltimore’s Week 2 preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.