Sam LaPorta became the best tight end on the Detroit Lions' roster the moment he was drafted in April of 2023. Expectations existed, then he blew them out of the water as he set a league-record for receptions by a rookie tight end (86) and every single-season record for a Lions' tight end.
Of course LaPorta will be challenged to have a good follow-up season this year, and even if he doesn't quite reach last year's numbers it won't necessarily fit the description of a "sophomore slump." But a year of experience, and focus on honing some areas of his game, will be beneficial.
LaPorta and quarterback Jared Goff had instant chemistry, and this week on "The Jim Rome Show" the Lions' tight end talked about the consistent leader his quarterback is.
"I say this about Jared frequently, but he’s,” LaPorta said. “You’re not going to find someone more consistent than Jared Goff in our building. And for him to be leading the team, you need to have consistency. You’re going to have good and bad days in the NFL — it’s just the nature of the game and how competitive this league is. But, he shows up every day, he works, and he sets the example and he sets the tone in the building."
Sam LaPorta instantly acknowledged among best tight ends in the NFL
As ESPN rolls out their 2024 position rankings based on surveying NFL executives, coaches and scouts, tight ends were on the docket Friday (subscription required).
LaPorta landed at No. 4 on the list, with a pretty tight range of individual rankings (highest-third; lowest-seventh). He's one spot above former Lions (and current Vikings) tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Here's what an NFC scout said about LaPorta.
"He's f---ing awesome," a veteran NFC scout said. "Everything looks super easy and natural to him. Great feet. Great in the red zone. Strains every play, whether blocking or running routes. Plays the game the right way, snap in and snap out. Strong for his size and so instinctive."
LaPorta dropped just six passes last season, prompting a league executive to say he has "good hands that won't be a problem long term."
LaPorta is being regarded as a top-five tight end in the league coming off of a great rookie season. It feels like only a matter of time before he's No. 1 in annual preseason rankings like ESPN's.