May 23, 2025

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had an explosive inaugural year, catching 86 of his 120 targets for 889 yards. He also had 10 touchdowns, the most in the National Football League at the position. As a result, LaPorta was one of the first tight ends selected in most fantasy leagues entering the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately, the 2023 No. 34 overall pick wasn't as potent in his sophomore campaign. LaPorta amassed 60 receptions (83 targets) for 726 yards while finding the end zone seven times. Granted, things could have been much worse. Still, LaPorta wasn't nearly as consistent from a production standpoint. He had at least five catches in 10 games in his first season. Yet, LaPorta had five grabs or more in only five contests last season. With that in mind, fantasy managers wonder if the 24-year-old can turn things around. There's certainly reason to believe he can. However, the Lions' offense is loaded, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs always in the Pro Bowl conversation, meaning they will continue to command attention. In addition, Jameson Williams is coming off his first 1,000-yard receiving season, and David Montgomery should also get his touches, especially inside the 20-yard line. With all things considered, including Detroit having one of the toughest schedules this season, LaPorta may have a tough time getting back to where he was as a rookie. However, the former Iowa Hawkeye remains one of the best options at the tight end spot, regardless of format, and he has the potential to be more productive than Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and George Kittle, to name a few. LaPorta comes in as RotoBaller's TE4 heading into the upcoming fantasy football drafts.--Dennis Clausen - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN