**RAVENS’ HIDDEN GEM! This Emerging Star Could Be Your Fantasy Team’s Secret Weapon**
Fantasy football managers are always on the hunt for that under-the-radar player who can deliver explosive value far beyond their draft position. Every season, a few breakout stars emerge from the shadows, and in 2024, the Baltimore Ravens might just have the next big sleeper hiding in plain sight. While Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews, and Zay Flowers dominate the headlines, there’s another name quietly building momentum—one that could be the difference between a good fantasy season and a championship run.
Enter **Isaiah Likely**, the Ravens’ dynamic tight end who has flashed superstar potential whenever given the opportunity. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Likely was initially seen as a developmental project behind All-Pro Mark Andrews. But when Andrews has been sidelined, Likely has stepped up in a major way, showcasing elite athleticism, reliable hands, and a knack for big plays. Now, with the Ravens’ offense evolving under new coordinator Todd Monken, Likely could be on the verge of a true breakout—making him the ultimate late-round steal in fantasy drafts.
Let’s rewind to last season for a moment. When Andrews missed time with injuries, Likely didn’t just fill in—he thrived. In Weeks 11-13, with Andrews out, Likely averaged **5.3 receptions and 62 yards per game**, finding the end zone twice in that stretch. His chemistry with Lamar Jackson was undeniable, particularly in the red zone, where his size (6’4”, 235 lbs) and body control made him a mismatch for linebackers and safeties. His best performance came in Week 12 against the Chargers, where he hauled in four catches for 40 yards and a touchdown—numbers that would have been even bigger if not for a couple of near-misses on deep shots.
But what makes Likely such an intriguing fantasy option this year isn’t just his talent—it’s the Ravens’ offensive philosophy. Monken’s system is built around spreading the ball and maximizing playmakers in space. While Andrews remains the TE1, Baltimore has shown a willingness to use **12 personnel (two-TE sets)** more than most teams, meaning Likely will still see significant snaps even when Andrews is healthy. And with defenses keying in on Andrews, Flowers, and the Ravens’ rushing attack, Likely could feast on single coverage, especially in play-action situations where Jackson excels.
Another factor working in Likely’s favor? **Volume.** The Ravens lost veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency and didn’t make a major splash at wide receiver in the draft. While rookie Devontez Walker adds speed, the passing game will still heavily feature Andrews and Flowers—but Likely could easily emerge as the **third option** in this offense. Last season, even with Andrews active, Likely saw **at least three targets in nine games**, proving he doesn’t need an injury ahead of him to be fantasy-relevant. In an offense that ranked top-10 in passing efficiency, that’s a sneaky-good role for a player being drafted outside the top 20 tight ends.
Then there’s the **upside**. Likely isn’t just a possession tight end—he’s a playmaker. His **4.82-second 40-yard dash** at the Combine doesn’t jump off the page, but his game speed and route-running are better than advertised. He consistently creates separation on intermediate routes and has the ability to turn short catches into big gains. In a league where teams like the Chiefs (with Travis Kelce) and 49ers (with George Kittle) have shown how valuable a second tight end can be, Likely has the tools to follow a similar path to fantasy relevance.
So where should you draft him? Right now, Likely is going **undrafted in most standard leagues** and is a borderline TE2 in deeper formats. That’s **insane value** for a player who could easily finish as a top-12 tight end if things break right. Even if Andrews stays healthy all season, Likely could still see enough work to be a viable streaming option in plus matchups. And if Andrews misses time again? Likely instantly becomes a **must-start every week**.
For fantasy managers who like to wait on tight end—a strategy that’s become popular given the position’s unpredictability—Likely is the perfect target. Instead of reaching for a mid-tier TE like Dalton Schultz or Tyler Higbee, you can grab Likely in the final rounds and potentially get similar (or better) production. In best-ball leagues, where upside is king, he’s an even more enticing pick because of his spike-week potential.
The bottom line? Isaiah Likely is **the Ravens’ secret weapon**, and he could be yours, too. Don’t let his low ADP fool you—this is a player with legitimate breakout potential in one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. Keep an eye on training camp reports, because if Likely continues to build chemistry with Jackson, he won’t stay a secret for long. When your league mates are scrambling for tight end help mid-season, you’ll already have your hidden gem locked and loaded.
Ravens fans have known about Likely’s potential for a while. Now, it’s time for fantasy managers to take notice. **Don’t sleep on him—your championship run could depend on it.**
