Sam LaPorta (Lions) NFL Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Impact
Sam LaPorta, the talented tight end out of Iowa, was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the NFL draft. Of all the tight ends drafted this year, LaPorta landed in the best spot for fantasy football owners.
LaPorta will be first on the depth chart in a high-scoring offense under new Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn. In fact, LaPorta will be the number two passing option behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. With a clearly defined role in the offense, it’s realistic to think LaPorta will be the top scoring rookie tight end in fantasy points this season.
While LaPorta’s role is clearly defined, I would still put him just outside of TE1 range for redraft leagues. The tight end position is notoriously fickle in fantasy football, and it’s important to have a high floor at the position. LaPorta has yet to prove himself at the NFL level, so there is some risk in drafting him as a TE1.
For dynasty managers, LaPorta should get off to a quick start in Detroit, but I don’t see him as a future TE stud. While his situation is favorable, LaPorta doesn’t have the same level of talent as some of the other young tight ends in the league. I think he’ll have low-end TE1 value, but he won’t be a player that you can build your dynasty team around.
Overall, LaPorta’s fantasy football impact should not be overlooked. He’s landed in a great spot in Detroit and has a clearly defined role in the offense. While he may not be a top-tier option at the tight end position, he has the potential to be a solid contributor for fantasy football owners this season and beyond.
Sam LaPorta NFL Draft Preview
Sam LaPorta turned heads at Iowa with his tremendous speed and ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch. He’s the Buckeyes’ career leader in receptions with 131 and broke Iowa’s single-season record for missed tackles forced by a tight end.
LaPorta was one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award and voted a first-team All-Big Ten, as well as a Team Captain. Pro Football Focus says he is one of the best college tight ends they’ve ever graded. LaPorta rates as a Day 2 pick with high upside in the passing game.
Measurables
- 6’3” 245 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.59 seconds
- Vertical jump – 35″
- Broad Jump – 10’3″
Positives
LaPorta has the ideal build for a modern-day tight end, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 245 pounds. He has a muscular frame with long arms and broad shoulders, which he uses to his advantage on the field. He is a physical player with a strong build, who is difficult to take down after the catch.
He has excellent hands, and he is capable of making difficult catches in traffic. He is a reliable target for his quarterbacks, and he has a knack for finding open spaces in the defense. He has a good sense of timing when going up to get the ball and can adjust his body position to make difficult catches.
LaPorta is a skilled route runner who is able to create separation from defenders with his quickness and footwork. He is able to run a variety of routes and is comfortable working in the middle of the field.
Although he is primarily known for his receiving skills, LaPorta is also a solid blocker. He has the strength to hold his ground against defensive linemen, and he is willing to get physical in the trenches. He has good technique and is able to seal off defenders to create running lanes.
Negatives
LaPorta has been somewhat inconsistent in his performances. He has struggled with drops at times, as evidenced by his 9% drop rate.
He is primarily a receiving tight end, and he may struggle in an offense that requires him to block more frequently. He has room to improve in this area, but he may never be a dominant blocker.
LaPorta doesn’t have an explosive first step, which could make it difficult for him to create separation from defenders at the NFL level. He ran a limited route tree at Iowa, which could make it difficult for him to adapt to more complex NFL offenses.
LaPorta has had some injury issues during his college career, including a shoulder injury that required surgery. He will need to prove that he can stay healthy at the next level.
Grade – B+
Overall, Sam LaPorta is an intriguing prospect with a lot of potential. He has the physical tools and receiving skills to succeed at the next level. However, he will need to work on his consistency, versatility, and blocking ability in order to reach his full potential as a player.
His snaps may be limited unless he can become a better blocker. LaPorta will need to be on a top-tier offense to be fantasy relevant in 2023.
Doug Burrell finished 2022 as Fantasy Nerd’s Most Accurate Expert in NFL Picks and Tallysight’s #1 ranked expert Against the Spread Expert out of 200+ experts. He is a veteran, a runner and an avid fantasy sports enthusiast since 1999. You can reach him on Twitter @dougwburrell.
