Fantasy football players were very disappointed with Lions tight end Sam LaPorta after his second season in the NFL.
LaPorta had an average draft position of 29.1 in 2024, making his expectations through the roof going into the season. The Lions' tight end would end up finishing as the eighth-best tight end on the year, making him a massively overdrafted player.
LaPorta is still an integral part of this Lions offense and should still be drafted high in fantasy drafts, but fantasy owners are going to think twice after last season.
LaPorta comments on his production drop-off in 2024
The biggest reason for LaPorta having a disappointing sophomore season is how amazing he was in his rookie year.
In his rookie year, Sam LaPorta set the record for most receptions from a rookie tight end in NFL history, only to be broken by Brock Bowers the following season. LaPorta was ranked as the best tight end in fantasy football in 2023, leading to his high ADP the following season.
LaPorta was asked about his production drop-off during media availability on Thursday, and he gave an answer that makes a lot of sense when you think about the Lions' offense.
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"There were a lot of weapons last year, so I kept hearing comments this offseason, ‘Why didn’t you get the ball as much?’ It’s like, Dude, we scored the most points of any team in the NFL in the last five years. Everybody deserves the ball," said the Lions tight end.
LaPorta is right, the Lions' offense spread the ball out better than any team in recent memory last season. When you compare LaPorta's rookie season to last season, the numbers from other players on the team almost all increased.
Jameson Williams went from 354 yards in 2023 to over 1,000 last season. Jahmyr Gibbs had over 500 yards last season compared to just over 300 in 2023. Even David Montgomery added about 20 more receptions to his total, taking away from LaPorta's touches.
It makes sense why Sam LaPorta had a significant drop-off in production in 2024, but I don't expect that to be the standard for him. I think even the Lions know they need to get him more involved in the offense and possibly make him target No. 2 behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.
To the fantasy owners out there, I have one message for you: Don't pass on Sam LaPorta if he falls. While the second round may be a little too pricey for the Lions' tight end, the fourth round or further will be great value for LaPorta's junior season.