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Sam LaPorta 2023 NFL Player Outlook: Lions Potent Offense Adds Another Talented Pass Catcher
2 years agoOver the last few years, the University of Iowa has started to be known as TE University, and rightfully so. With San Francisco tight end George Kittle, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, and Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant coming out of the school in recent years, it's hard not to get excited about Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. Kittle has already praised LaPorta's overall ability and believes he'll thrive in the NFL. Although he has displayed dominant pass-catching in college, he must improve as a run and pass blocker to succeed at the next level. Thankfully, he finds himself in an ideal situation, being selected by the Detroit Lions with the third pick of the second round (34th overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Lions have one of the best offensive lines in the game and a relatively concentrated passing game. Outside Amon-Ra St. Brown, LaPorta will have to compete for targets in Detroit's passing game with Josh Reynolds, Marvin Jones, and Jameson Williams once he completes his six-game suspension. LaPorta was impressive during rookie camp, and his versatility stood out. According to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, the Lions used him as an in-line tight end and flexed him out to receiver during rookie camp, which he did routinely at Iowa. Despite being the second TE off the board in this draft, he might have the clearest path to fantasy production in his rookie season. He is an exciting grab in dynasty formats and worth a late-round flier in redraft leagues.
