The Detroit Lions seem to be having a pretty nice rookie class all things considered. Even with their first two draft picks, Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, underperforming, one of their second-round picks is more than making up for it.
Tight end Sam LaPorta has become one of the top weapons in this explosive Detroit offense and is already establishing himself as one of the top tight ends in the entire league. Through 12 games, LaPorta has amassed 64 catches, 679 yards, and six touchdowns. Last Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, LaPorta became one of only five rookie tight ends to record 140 yards and a touchdown in the game, truly showcasing the progress he has made throughout the season.
Is @samlaporta already one of the best TEs in the league? His rookie season so far:
🦁 64 receptions
🦁 679 receiving yards
🦁 6 touchdowns pic.twitter.com/dRbfsfTfrC— NFL (@NFL) December 5, 2023
Should LaPorta keep up this pace he will be just one of three tight ends (Mike Ditka, Kyle Pitts) to surpass the 1,000 yard receiving mark in a season. LaPorta has clearly been a slam dunk for this regime, and the Lions look like geniuses for snagging the Iowa tight end in the second round.