CBS Sports highlights Sam LaPorta as NFL rookie projected to shine

While not a first round draft pick, Sam LaPorta was about as close as you can get. The Detroit Lions took the Iowa Hawkeyes tight end at No. 34 overall and will look to have him step in and be a day-one starter at a position of need after the franchise traded away fellow Iowa tight end T.J. Hockenson.

It sets up nicely for LaPorta. He joins a team with a need for tight end production and an experienced quarterback in Jared Goff, who is coming off one of the better years of his career. This combination has LaPorta listed as one of CBS Sports’ rookies drafted after round one that is primed to succeed in their first season.

TE Sam LaPorta
Drafted: No. 34, second round
Impressive stat to know: 40-yard dash, vertical, and three-cone drill all above the 87th percentile at the tight end position

A layup, I know. This one was too easy to pass up. LaPorta’s game is predicated on freaky YAC capabilities and, clearly, high-level athletic traits. The George Kittle comparisons are apt. For as fun as the Lions offense was in 2022, the club weirdly traded T.J. Hockenson within the division and had a gaping hole at the position entering the draft. He has strong hands, runs good enough routes and was essentially the heart-and-soul of the Iowa offense in 2022. Without him, the Hawkeyes maybe would’ve never gotten a first down. In the Ben Johnson coordinated offense, LaPorta will thrive. He was the piece Jared Goff and Co. needed over the middle and down the seam. – Chris, Trapasso, CBS Sports

LaPorta has the exact skillset that not only fits the modern-day NFL but fits the Lions’ culture exceptionally well. LaPorta’s ability to produce after the catch is the athleticism that NFL teams yearn for in tight ends who can create mismatches.

Even more so than that, LaPorta comes from an Iowa program known for fundamentals and is willing to do what is asked. That is right in line with the culture that Lions head coach Dan Campbell has instilled in the building.

During his Hawkeye career, LaPorta racked up 153 receptions for 1,786 receiving yards with five scores. The Highland, Ill., native led the Hawkeyes in receiving each of the past two years and was honored as the Kwalick-Clark Big Ten Tight End of the Year in 2022.

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