Isaiah Likely is swapping the Baltimore Ravens for a fresh start with the New York Giants, a move that has fantasy enthusiasts buzzing about a potential breakout. The shift comes as the Giants’ receiving corps undergoes significant change, opening a clear path for Likely to assume a larger role in the offense.
A New Chapter in New York
The Giants have positioned Likely as a movable tight end who will line up primarily in the slot, a role that could unlock a significant share of targets in the early weeks of the season. His current average draft position sits at 111.1, placing him in the ninth round of 12‑team leagues, yet analysts project him to finish among the top ten tight ends if his role expands as expected.
Fantasy Outlook and Draft Value
Likely finished as the TE45 last season, averaging 4.4 fantasy points per game in PPR formats, but his versatility in the slot and the lack of competition for middle‑field targets could propel him far beyond that baseline. Compared with peers such as Dallas Goedert and Jake Ferguson, who are being drafted later, Likely offers considerably higher upside.
Slot Dominance and Target Share
During the 2024 season he ranked fourth among all tight ends in yards per reception when aligned in the slot, underscoring his ability to generate production in that area. With wide receiver Malik Nabers nursing a lingering knee issue and Wan’Dale Robinson now playing for Tennessee, the Giants’ offense is searching for a reliable middle‑field target, a vacancy that could elevate Likely to the team’s primary receiving option for the first month of the campaign.
Giants’ Need for a Middle‑Field Option
The combination of Nabers’ injury concerns and Robinson’s departure leaves a void that Likely is well positioned to fill. If the early chemistry translates into consistent production, he could not only satisfy the expectations of his ADP but also reshape the tight end conversation in fantasy leagues, delivering a performance that outpaces many of his contemporaries.