Unpacking Future Packers: No. 7, Iowa TE Sam LaPorta

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft.

George Kittle, Dallas Clark, T.J. Hockenson, and Noah Fant are just some of the tight ends that have come out of the Iowa football program, AKA TEU. 

Sam LaPorta is next in line and could be a target in the second round for the Green Bay Packers as they search for playmakers at tight end. The Hawkeyes tight end checks in at No. 7 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.

A three-star recruit out of Illinois, LaPorta hauled in 15 receptions for 188 yards during his first season on campus. In eight games, LaPorta recorded 27 receptions for 271 yards and one touchdown during the 2020 campaign. The following season, LaPorta recorded 53 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns.

In Iowa’s stagnant offense, LaPorta finished the 2022 campaign with 58 receptions for 657 yards and one touchdown. 

“In 2022 Laporta broke the Iowa career record for receptions with 153 and sits in second place in total receiving yards,” Alec Fullenkamp, a contributor for BlackHeartGoldpants.com said. “Both are impressive and exponentially so considering he holds these marks at the University of Iowa. While being the priority for opposing defenses and not having anything close to decent quarterback play, Sam’s output this past year is absurd.”

LaPorta is a difference-maker as a pass-catcher. According to TruMedia, during the 2021 season 71.7 percent of LaPorta’s receptions went for a first down or a touchdown and he finished the season with 18 catches of 15-plus yards. 

“Laporta’s greatest strength is 100 percent his receiving ability,” Fullenkamp said. “As mentioned previously, Laporta put up monster numbers throughout his career despite the last few seasons being the only real threat defenses had to key in on. When you are number one on an opposing scouting report and you are still getting it done, that’s elite.”

As a route runner, LaPorta shows good burst in and out of his breaks due to sharp footwork. The Iowa tight end wins off the line with his initial quickness and has the speed to threaten the seam. He finds the open spot in zone coverages and makes himself available to the quarterback. LaPorta changes up his tempo to keep defensive backs and linebackers off balance. He’s physical and doesn’t get knocked off his pathway. He has strong hands and is comfortable making catches with a defender draped all over him. 

“Laporta has always been an above-average route runner,” Fullenkamp said. “I will say however that this past season saw him take the next step. Iowa used Sam out wide several times this year as well as in the slot due to a lack of credible receiving threats. Being a wide receiver in high school definitely assisted in the transition. What was extremely noticeable to me was his ability to shake his defender while lined up in the slot. This usually came in the form of an outside move faking an out, then quickly turning the route back inside. When lined up outside, Sam’s straight-line speed he displayed at the combine allowed him to gain leverage on smaller defensive backs and then show off his ability to high point the football. This part of his game was severely underutilized at Iowa due to horrendous quarterback play.”

With his toughness and deceptive quickness, LaPorta is a YAC threat. He runs hard after the catch and has the speed to pull away from linebackers. Over the past two seasons, LaPorta racked up 667 yards after the catch and forced 20 missed tackles this past season (PFF). 

“After the catch, Laporta is a monster,” Fullenkamp said. “This guy is just one of those dudes that refuses to go down much like a couple of his predecessors, TJ Hockenson and George Kittle.”

LaPorta is wired right as a blocker and is willing to do the dirty work. He’s comfortable on the move as a blocker and he keeps his legs driving at contact. 

“Laporta is a fine blocker and displays a nice ability to help set the edge, but he isn’t going to overmatch the opposition in straight-line blocking situations in the ways that Hockenson, Kittle, and CJ Fiedorowicz had done at Iowa and continued to do in the NFL,” Fullenkamp said. “I will give Laporta a little bit of a break with his blocking however because again, Iowa’s inability to move the ball through the air exposed a young offensive line to heavy pressure the past two years even more than it would have already been.”

Fit with the Packers

The Packers desperately need an infusion of talent at the tight end position. As it stands right now, Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis are sitting atop the tight-end depth chart for the Packers. It’s a duo that’s combined for 48 career receptions.

The Packers haven’t drafted a tight end in the first round since selecting Bubba Franks with the 14th overall pick. If the Packers keep that streak going, LaPorta could be a second-round target for the Packers. 

“Sam, like a lot of Hawkeyes, is already a consummate professional,” Fullenkamp said. “I will bring the focus back to this past season. Iowa had one of the worst statistical offensive seasons in power five history and the team won eight games. Sure Jack Campbell and another elite Phil Parker defense had a lot to do with that but players and coaches alike have credited the success to the leadership present on the team, mainly Laporta and Campbell. Sam is a guy who could walk into any locker room in the league and be respected after the first week. Couple that with a bubbly personality and his elite receiving ability and I’m sold. Add in that he’s going to drop to one of the middle rounds, I see him as one the highest value picks of the draft. And come on, he’s an Iowa tight end, enough said.”

LaPorta is a well-rounded tight end. He’s a moveable tight end that could line up in the slot, in-line, or even out wide. He could step in immediately and provide an impact as a security blanket for Jordan Love. With his ability as a pass catcher and the state of Green Bay’s tight end room, it would not be shocking to see LaPorta reel in 50 or more receptions during his rookie season.