5 Detroit Lions to target in upcoming 2023 fantasy football drafts

3. TE Sam LaPorta

Yes, recent history (if not going back way further) says rookie tight ends (even those drafted in the first couple rounds) don't produce big fantasy numbers. Even those who have posted some nice numbers have had holes (see Kyle Pitts, over 1,000 yards but just one touchdown in 2021). But a deep and talented rookie class at the position may have one or more guys defy that history this year, and LaPorta is as good a candidate as anyone.

Last season, the total production from Lions' tight ends (including T.J. Hockenson before he was traded) would have been TE9 in full PPR scoring--TE10 if you must include the tight-end eligible Taysom Hill. LaPorta has been lined up to get a big chunk of that work this year from the moment he was drafted, and all signs point to him being the Lions' TE1. He'll have to prove his mettle as a blocker,

For those who wait to draft a tight end, taking two with potential in the late rounds and hoping one hits may make a lot of sense. In TE2 range by ADP across the board (TE18 in 0.5-point PPR, TE19 in full PPR, TE17 in standard scoring), LaPorta fits that bill.

Tight end, as always, drops off quickly in terms of fantasy quality this year. LaPorta's potential to finish as a TE1 (top-12) puts him on anyone's viable list of draft targets/sleepers at the position.