As fantasy football managers gear up for the 2025 season, few names generate as much quiet buzz as Isaiah Likely. The Baltimore Ravens tight end has spent two seasons learning behind one of the best to ever play the position in Mark Andrews, and now the question on every drafter's lips is simple: is this the year Likely finally breaks out? With a tantalising blend of athleticism, route-running polish, and a creative offensive scheme, Likely's fantasy outlook for 2025 is one of the most intriguing subplots of the summer.
Opportunity is the currency of fantasy football, and Likely's situation is fascinating. The Ravens have historically run heavy two-tight-end sets, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken has shown a willingness to get multiple pass-catchers involved. When Andrews missed time in previous seasons, Likely stepped up with some genuinely massive performances, including a monster Week 18 showing that had managers in season-long leagues kicking themselves for not stashing him earlier. The talent has never been in doubt; it has always been about volume.
What makes 2025 different? For starters, Likely enters the season in the final year of his rookie contract, which means motivation will not be in short supply. Players in contract years have a habit of producing, and the Ravens know exactly what they have in the young tight end. There have even been murmurs around the league that Baltimore could explore creative ways to get both Andrews and Likely on the field together more frequently, essentially treating the duo as a mismatch nightmare for opposing defences.
From a statistical perspective, Likely has averaged an impressive yards-per-route-run figure throughout his career, ranking among the more efficient tight ends in the league on a per-snap basis. The issue has been consistency of targets rather than quality of production. If his target share climbs even modestly, the efficiency suggests he could quickly leap into the TE1 conversation.
In most 2025 drafts, Likely is coming off the board in the double-digit rounds as a bench tight end with upside, typically behind established starters but ahead of pure lottery tickets. That is exactly the price point savvy managers should love. He carries minimal risk given his cost, yet the ceiling is genuine if Andrews were to miss any time or if the Ravens simply commit to more 12 personnel.
Our recommendation: draft Likely as a high-upside backup with a clear path to weekly starter value. In dynasty formats, his value is even more compelling, as an Andrews departure from Baltimore in the coming years would hand Likely one of the most attractive tight end situations in the entire NFL.
The bottom line for 2025: Isaiah Likely is the classic late-round dart throw who could win you your league. Buy the upside, stash him happily, and enjoy the ride when the Ravens unleash him.