Tag: Detroit Lions Tight Ends

Detroit Lions Training Camp Battles: Tight Ends

Breaking down the ongoing Detroit Lions training camp battle at tight end

While we enter the days of training camp, it’s already been interesting for the Detroit Lions. Wide receiver Jameson Williams suffered a minor injury and should miss a few days. Meanwhile, they suffered an injury scare when defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson went down with a knee injury.

Fortunately, the injury for Gardner-Johnson has been defined as minor and is considered day-to-day.

While both players will be worth monitoring, there’s still plenty to follow when it comes to each position group during training camp. One of the main positions to follow is the tight end position.

Last season, the Lions tight end room changed drastically when they traded away T.J. Hockenson. Fortunately for the Lions, they made it work with players such as Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra.

As we enter the off-season, we knew that their was a need for an upgrade at tight end in Detroit. However, we didn’t know if the Lions were going to sign one or draft one. As it unfolded, we saw the Lions select Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta in the 2nd Round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

By selecting LaPorta, the Lions get a clear upgrade at the position. During training camp, we should see LaPorta be a step ahead of every other tight end on the roster. Much of this is due to the route running and athletic ability that he possesses. With that skill-set, it should allow the Lions the ability to consistently run between 12 and 21 personnel and they should find plenty of success.

Players such as Zylstra and Wright are experienced and are familiar with the scheme being ran under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. For Brock Wright, he had 591 snaps on offense last season and recorded 18 receptions for 216 yards and 4 touchdowns.

As for Shane Zylstra, he could be on the outside looking in and his performance during training camp could be crucial on if he makes the roster or not. Last season, he had 227 offensive snaps but he did score 4 touchdowns off just 11 receptions. What we’ve seen from himis very similar to what we saw in 2013 and 2014 from Joseph Fauria. We’ll see if Zylstra only plays two seasons for the Lions like Fauria.

The determining factor for Zylstra could be based off three things:

  • Can LaPorta handle the role of being the top tight end
  • Is James Mitchell ready to take another step?
  • Do the Lions carry three or four tight ends on the roster?

We know the Lions selected James Mitchell in the 7th Round of the 2022 NFL Draft but he was coming off a torn ACL. However, he played well in 14 games last season. He had 11 receptions for 113 yards and a touchdown. But it’s unclear on what his progression from year one to his second season looks like.

Ultimately, I’d expect Sam LaPorta to be the top option for the Lions at the tight end position. He should get the majority of the first-team snaps, but it looks like he’s got a good supporting cast behind him and an even better supporting cast around him at the other positions. The Lions could carry four tight ends this year, but I think they’ll go with three of them. It’ll be interesting to see how it plays out during training camp, but the projected three tight ends I have for the Lions are Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright and James Mitchell.

2023 NFL Draft Film Review: Iowa TE Sam LaPorta can be an impact player

Breaking down the game film of TE Sam LaPorta, what he offers and how the Lions 2nd-rounder fits into the Detroit offense

When the second round of the 2023 NFL draft kicked off, nobody thought the Detroit Lions were going to select a tight end. Most fans felt like the Lions organization wouldn’t value running backs, tight ends, or linebackers high in the draft, but it’s clear that the Lions don’t have a particular type or different values. They’ve got their rankings of the players and they stick to them.

Anyone should be able to respect that — especially if it leads to positive results.

As the Lions went on the clock with the 34th overall pick, there were a plethora of tight ends available. That includes Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. If they were going to go that route, he felt like the pick. Tons of college production, good size, and just felt like a Dan Campbell type of player. However, they surprised us all when they selected Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta.

At first, I was really scratching my head and wondering why they didn’t go with Mayer. But then I got to thinking about some of the athletic testing numbers from LaPorta, and he really makes sense for what they’re trying to create on offense. That’s to have players that can create after-the-catch and have terrific change of direction ability.

LaPorta brings that to the table with his 4.59 speed in the 40-yard dash and 6.91 time in the 3-cone drill. Let’s jump into some tape to look at what the Lions are getting with the talented Iowa tight end.

Angle route with YAC ability

During the 2022 season, LaPorta saw an increase in production. Especially when you look at his ability to produce yards after-the-catch. Per PFF, LaPorta had 317 yards after-the-catch in 2022. His athletic ability for his size is impressive, and it should help him have an easy transition to the next level.

Looking at the play above, you’ll see Iowa in an empty formation with LaPorta aligned inside on a condensed set. As the ball is snapped, he begins to push vertically up the field but he starts to position himself as if he’s going to run a route that breaks out or up-and-out towards the sideline.

In the process, he watches the safety (Illinois DB 30) aggressively attack downhill and that’s when he breaks back inside on an angle route. With the middle of the field wide open, he’s able to run free and clear up the field for a huge gain. This is something that the Lions are missing from the position currently.

Change of direction ability

Having a tight end that can catch the football, stick his foot in the ground and turn on a dime is different. To be able to do it all the time is rare and there’s only a select few in the NFL that can do it on a consistent basis. When watching LaPorta, he does it all the time. Could the Lions have one of the next great tight ends to come in and dominate? Anything is possible.

Oddly enough in the clip above, you’ll see Sam LaPorta and Aidan Hutchinson make eye contact. Now they’re teammates. But with that, LaPorta just runs a quick out and he knows that the linebacker is going to be on his tail once he secures the pass. Quickly, he plants and fools the linebacker by turning back inside and running upfield. More often than not, a tight end is going to catch the ball and just get upfield for positive yardage. LaPorta is always looking to do more.

Overall Thoughts 

The selection of Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta makes a ton of sense for the Lions. There was a sneaky need for a tight end that can move around and produce. While the Lions had flashes from Shane Zylstra and Brock Wright last season, there was no real threat at the position. It does feel like the team might value James Mitchell but that remains to be seen.

With LaPorta, the Lions get a player that can do a variety of things. He can play in the slot, in-line or even out wide. During his career at Iowa, he had 513 snaps in-line and 304 snaps out of the slot (per PFF). It really wouldn’t be surprising if LaPorta walks into Detroit and earns the starting tight end spot. He has the talent to do it and by being the 34th overall pick, there is going to be some high expectations for him.

Fortunately, he change direction at ease, shake defenders and run after-the-catch on a consistent basis. There should be no concerns with the ability to produce in the NFL. In fact, I’d expect him to be more productive with Jared Goff at quarterback and with Ben Johnson calling the plays than he was at Iowa. While the Lions are a run first team, there’s definitely going to be times where he’s going to have to run block. He’ll need to become more consistent in that area with his body positioning and hand placement but he’s a willing blocker and can get aggressive.

When listening to Lions GM Brad Holmes talk to the media after the draft, it does feel like he intends for the Lions to use LaPorta early and often. He said, “…you go even to Sam LaPorta, a guy that I would say more along the terms of a gritty weapon. I do think that Sam would be able to make an early impact.”

Regardless of who was on the board during the 2023 NFL Draft, this was a pick that made a ton of sense for Detroit. LaPorta will certainly provide an immediate impact but there’s potential for him to be the most productive player from the Lions draft class.