Sam LaPorta was everything the Detroit Lions could have hoped he'd be as a rookie last year, and more. He set every single-season record for a Lions' tight end, regardless of experience, while setting the NFL record for catches by a rookie tight end (86). He followed that, as he battled a knee injury suffered in the regular season finale, with 21 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs.
LaPorta will be challenged to follow-up that fantastic debut, as he has acknowledged areas of his game he can refine. A sophomore slump does not seem likely, even if his numbers fall some.
The NFL is rolling out its Top 100 players for 2024, as voted on by players, counting down in increments of 10. The first two sets of 10 players did not have any Lions, as it seems they will have some highly-ranked players coming off their success last season.
No. 80-71 on the top 100 list came out on Tuesday. LaPorta came in at No. 80.
"It took only one season for LaPorta to earn his first Pro Bowl nod and be named in the Top 100 list. He emerged as a solid foundation piece for the Lions. With his 86 receptions during the regular season, LaPorta set the tight end rookie record for most catches in a season. He was also the only tight end with 80-plus catches, 800-plus receiving yards and seven-plus touchdowns, per NFL Research."
10 more names have been revealed on the #NFLTop100!
— NFL (@NFL) July 24, 2024
80. Sam LaPorta pic.twitter.com/4pJWiREfTi
LaPorta has instantly become one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Consistency is the next step for him in Year 2, with room for improvement as a blocker. He has espoused the benefits of having a former tight end as his head coach, which will only help him potentially cement his place as the best in the league at the position in due time.
Wednesday's reveal of No. 70-61 in the top 100 NFL players had no Lions' players on it.