The New York Giants signed tight end Isaiah Likely to a three-year, $40 million deal this past offseason because they believed he could be a top player at his position with the right opportunity.
Likely was the No. 2 tight end behind Pro Bowler Mark Andrews in Baltimore the last four years, and his numbers, prorated to 17 games and first-team reps and targets, could make him a Pro Bowler as well.
So far, the Giants, behind head coach John Harbaugh, who also coached Likely with the Ravens, have been right about Likely. He's the real deal.
Likely told reporters on Thursday that he's not just here to boost his stats and profile, but also wide receiver Malik Nabers'.
Nabers is coming off a lost season due to a torn ACL and meniscus that required two
surgeries and a long, arduous rehab to address. He is just getting back to his old self, logging back-to-back 100-yard games. He and Likely Both had 11 receptions in last Sunday's 27-27 tie in Washington.
"I feel like that's a question you've got to ask Leek," Likely said when asked where he felt Nabers was physically and mentally. "But I feel like watching him practice, watching him day in and day out, I mean, you talk about a guy that loves ball, a guy that knows what he's supposed to do, what the defense is doing, and who he is as an individual. I mean, the sky is the limit for Leek. And I feel like I'm always screaming at him, whether he catches the ball, scores a touchdown, running down the sideline for a block. I'm always screaming when he gets back just to tell him to put that in his ear, so he remembers who he is."
On Sunday, the duo made NFL history, becoming just the second wide receiver and tight end tandem to each record at least 11 receptions, 90 receiving yards, and one touchdown in the same game. Likely was asked if this is just the beginning of what lies ahead.
"I feel like the sky is the limit," Likely said. "I told Leek since the day I got here, my job is to make sure no team is able to double cover you. And I feel like it's insulting if I see a team that would rather double cover Leek and leave everybody one-on-one than having everybody else get their one. So, I told Leek my first job, other than being the quarterback's best friend, is making sure that you're not double-teamed. If I'm doing that, that means you're going for 100-plus every game because there's not a corner, I feel like in the league, that could just stay with him one-on-one all day."
The Giants face the New Orleans Saints at home this week. The Saints are ranked 20th against the pass. They have allowed the 12th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers but are 26th when it comes to defending tight ends.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: New York Giants TE Isaiah Likely focused on elevating Malik Nabers
