The Baltimore Ravens have always prided themselves on a physical brand of football—defense, ground-and-pound offense, and a culture rooted in toughness. But over the past few years, the franchise has gradually adapted to the ever-changing dynamics of the modern NFL. And at the heart of that evolution lies a tight end room filled with talent, tenacity, and untapped potential. Now, according to one NFL analyst, that evolution is about to reach a boiling point. In a recent appearance on a national sports talk show, the analyst boldly declared that it’s “just a matter of time” before a particular Ravens tight end takes over the league.
This statement, while seemingly hyperbolic, has sparked a serious conversation among Ravens fans and NFL insiders alike. The player in question? Isaiah Likely, the second-year tight end whose flashes of brilliance last season were enough to garner serious attention. While Mark Andrews remains the established All-Pro centerpiece of the Ravens’ passing attack, it’s Likely who is drawing the growing belief that Baltimore’s offense may soon feature a two-headed monster at tight end that can overwhelm defenses at every level.
The analyst’s comments weren’t just a matter of hype or exaggeration. He pointed to film, production efficiency, and untapped ceiling as key reasons for his prediction. “This kid has it all—size, hands, route-running polish, and that killer instinct when the ball’s in the air,” he said. “Give him consistent targets, and you’re looking at a Pro Bowl-caliber weapon.” It’s not the first time Likely has received praise, but this endorsement felt different—less speculative and more like a forecast rooted in evidence and inevitability.
Isaiah Likely was drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina, a relatively small football program that’s produced few NFL stars. Yet, from the moment he arrived in Baltimore, he turned heads with his fluid athleticism and natural pass-catching ability. Throughout training camp and the preseason, he made highlight-reel plays that demanded attention. And even with limited opportunities during the regular season, he managed to post impressive numbers in a crowded offense.
When Andrews went down with injury late last season, it was Likely who stepped up in a major way. In games where he saw a starter’s snap share, he looked every bit the part of a future star—racking up yardage, moving the chains, and scoring in the red zone. His rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson was instant and natural. Jackson, known for building strong chemistry with his tight ends, never hesitated to target Likely in crucial moments. That trust is only expected to grow as the young tight end continues to mature in Baltimore’s offensive scheme.
The analyst went on to describe the broader trend that makes Likely’s impending rise even more believable. “Look at the league,” he said. “Tight ends aren’t just blockers anymore. They’re mismatches. They’re nightmares for defensive coordinators. Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Darren Waller—these guys changed the game. And Likely’s got the makeup to be in that tier if Baltimore lets him off the leash.”
The Ravens’ new offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, adds even more intrigue to the situation. Monken is known for his ability to maximize receiving talent and create schematic mismatches, especially with tight ends. He did it at Georgia with Brock Bowers and used tight ends strategically during his NFL stints with the Buccaneers and Browns. With Likely’s skill set, Monken could very well unleash a new layer of creativity that puts Baltimore’s offense on a different level.
What also makes this potential breakout so compelling is the structure of the Ravens’ current roster. With a strong backfield, a retooled wide receiver room featuring Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and veteran Nelson Agholor, and of course, a healthy Mark Andrews, defenses will be hard-pressed to cover everyone. That’s exactly where Likely comes in. As defenses scheme to stop Andrews or focus on Flowers’ explosiveness, Likely could feast on mismatches against slower linebackers or undersized safeties.
Jackson himself recently praised Likely during OTAs, noting how much more confident and explosive the young tight end looks this offseason. “He’s moving different,” Jackson said. “Like, more sharp, more aggressive. He’s not thinking—he’s just playing now.” That kind of growth is critical. For a player to truly make “the leap,” it’s not just about talent. It’s about mastering the playbook, playing fast, and earning trust in every scenario.
Former Ravens greats have also taken notice. Retired tight end Dennis Pitta, now a team commentator, spoke glowingly of Likely during a recent appearance on local radio. “When I watch him, I see shades of Andrews but with a little more wiggle. He’s got this deceptive quickness that makes him hard to press or jam. He’s the kind of player who could quietly put up 700, 800 yards and 7 touchdowns if given the chance,” Pitta said.
Of course, potential means little without opportunity. And that remains the big question: Will the Ravens find enough targets for Likely to truly emerge? The presence of Andrews, plus a crowded receiver group and an offense that still values the run, complicates the equation. But Monken has already hinted that he plans to use more two-tight-end sets this season, creating more chances for both Andrews and Likely to thrive simultaneously.
In a league where tight ends have become offensive focal points, having two elite ones is a strategic luxury. The Ravens know that. And if Likely continues on his current trajectory, it won’t be a matter of whether he breaks out—but when. The analyst’s “just a matter of time” statement reflects a growing belief around the league that Likely is more than just a promising backup—he’s a future star hiding in plain sight.
Fans have also picked up on the buzz. Social media is filled with clips from OTAs and mini-camps showing Likely making acrobatic catches, shaking defenders, and displaying improved route precision. “This man is HIM,” one fan tweeted after watching a red-zone drill. Another wrote, “Get ready for the Isaiah Likely takeover this season. Defenses aren’t ready.”
The NFL is a league that rewards preparation and punishes hesitation. And in Baltimore, the coaching staff knows that capitalizing on Likely’s momentum could be a game-changer. With Jackson healthy and motivated, and with Monken calling plays, the stage is perfectly set for a breakout.
Even opposing players have started to mention Likely during press availabilities. A Bengals defensive back recently noted, “That kid’s legit. You can’t sleep on him, or he’ll burn you. Andrews gets the headlines, but 80 \[Likely] can ball.”
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Baltimore’s tight end duo. The potential for one of the league’s most dynamic tandems looms large. And for Isaiah Likely, this could be the year he shakes off the “backup” label and stamps his name among the NFL’s elite. The analyst who sparked this debate may have only accelerated the inevitable. Because if Likely continues on his current trajectory, his “takeover” won’t be a surprise—it’ll be a coronation.
In a franchise rich with tight end history, from Todd Heap to Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely could be next in line to etch his name into Ravens lore. And if this season unfolds the way many expect, the phrase “just a matter of time” might soon be replaced by one much simpler: “He’s arrived.”
