After just one season in the league, it’s clear that the Detroit Lions have something special in tight end Sam LaPorta, who the team selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
LaPorta had one of the best seasons for a rookie tight end in NFL history. His 86 receptions and 10 touchdowns ranked first and second, respectively, and his 889 yards ranked fourth. As if that wasn’t enough, he also earned a Pro Bowl nod.
Ahead of his second season in the NFL, LaPorta landed high in ESPN’s annual rankings of the top-10 tight ends in the league based on the opinions of scouts, coaches and executives around the league.
LaPorta landed at No. 4 on the list behind the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce (No. 1), the San Francisco 49ers’ George Kittle (No. 2), and the Baltimore Ravens’ Mark Andrews (No. 3).
And, in the article, one NFC scout heaped praise on the young tight end and couldn’t contain himself in his review of LaPorta.
“He’s f—ing awesome,” a veteran NFC scout said of LaPorta. “Everything looks super easy and natural to him. Great feet. Great in the red zone. Strains every play, whether blocking or running routes. Plays the game the right way, snap in and snap out. Strong for his size and so instinctive.”
No lies detected.
With a year of experience under his belt, LaPorta is primed to take a step forward in 2024. If he does, LaPorta could cement himself as the league’s best tight end. At the very least, he might be able move up this list in 2025.