There are several “must draft” players in the 2022 NFL Draft. Some of these players may make an instant impact on a team or could develop into a star a couple of years into their careers. However, something they almost always have in common is that these “must draft” players are often first-round picks.
I am taking the definition of “must draft” in a different direction with this article. As there is one player in this draft I am very very high on who I believe the NY Giants must draft for a couple of reasons.
This player is 6’4, 245 pounds, tight end Isaiah Likely out of Coastal Carolina. While most experts have him getting drafted in the 3rd or 4th round. This does not change the fact that I believe he is a “must draft” player for the Giants. Here is why the Giants must draft Likely in this year’s draft.
Isaiah Likely’s potential to be a star on the NY Giants
This is the simplest reason as to why I believe the Giants should draft Likely. In 13 games played this season, Likely caught 59 passes for 912 yards and 12 touchdowns, all while only dropping 1 pass in 77 targets, quite impressive.
In my opinion, Likely has the highest ceiling out of all of the TEs in this year’s draft class. While I believe Trey McBride has a much higher floor than him, Likely definitely has the higher ceiling as a receiver.
In terms of receiving, there isn’t much that Likely cannot do. He is deadly in the short, medium, and long passing game. However, what is probably my favorite part about Likely is his ability in the open field. This is where he truly shines.
For example, out of the 912 receiving yards he tallied this season, 406 of those yards came from after the catch. To me, this is what separates him from a player like Trey McBride as a receiver, as McBride is much more limited in the open field.
In terms of blocking, Likely shows a ton of promise in that area. While he may not have the best build to be a blocker, his effort as a blocker is something that is really fun to watch. From a technical standpoint, however, Likely has some things he needs to work on. Although I am not too worried about this, his simple effort makes me happy and makes me believe that he wants to get better as a blocker.
Outside of blocking, the only thing that Likely needs to be better with is his route running. While he is a very solid run blocker, his lack of being an elite run blocker could potentially stop him from reaching the massive upside I believe he has.
Lack of talent at wide receiver on the NY Giants
This, to me, is the biggest reason the Giants should draft Likely. As the current TE room is looking quite bleak and empty. The only NFL-caliber TEs on the roster are Ricky Seals-Jones and Jordan Akins.
With the loss of Evan Engram, Kyle Rudolph, and Kaden Smith. The Giants made it clear that they wanted to restructure the TE room. Making it seem clear that they were going to look to draft a potential TE1. At least I hope so because Ricky Seals-Jones being a team’s TE1 is not a good thing by any means.
I believe that the Giants are the best possible team for Likely to get drafted to. Because he will likely be TE1 right when he is drafted. Thus giving him the best chance to be successful in this league.
While players like Trey McBride and Greg Dulcich may be a better fit for a Brian Daboll ran offense, Joe Schoen has said before that he wants to take the best player available. So if he sees Likely in the same vision as I and many others, there is a good chance he looks to draft the TE prospect.