Pride of Detroit
Sam LaPorta’s follow-up to a historic rookie season was about refinement and efficiency—and in Year 3, he’ll be ready when his number gets called.
With so much focus on what’s to come—life after Frank Ragnow, a healthy defense making a big impression early on, and another breakout season for Jameson Williams on the horizon—it’s easy to lose sight of just how impactful Sam LaPorta was in his second season. A historic rookie campaign put him on the map, but even as the fantasy football numbers leveled off in Year 2, LaPorta quietly leveled up last season.
Anticipation is building around what this next season could bring for the Detroit Lions, and with training camp arriving sooner than it has in the past, we’re previewing each player on the team’s roster—continuing with one of the offense’s most versatile and valuable weapons in Sam LaPorta.
Previous previews: Aidan Hutchinson
Despite belonging to the same draft class that netted Detroit standout players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Brian Branch, LaPorta’s rookie season was arguably the best of the bunch. LaPorta set the rookie record for receptions by a tight end (86), a record that had lasted for 35 years since Keith Jackson caught 81 passes in 1988. His 10 touchdown receptions made him just the third rookie tight end to catch double-digit receiving touchdowns in NFL history, joining Hall of Fame players Mike Ditka and Rob Gronkowski.
Needless to say, by establishing himself as one of the best tight ends in the NFL in his debut season, LaPorta had set the bar extremely high for himself ahead of his sophomore season. He did suffer an ankle injury in the season finale against the Minnesota Vikings that required offseason surgery and rehab, but LaPorta was ready to go for Week 1.
Note: Stats are regular season only unless otherwise stated
16 games (16 starts)
Stats: 60 catches on 83 targets for 726 yards and 7 touchdowns.
PFF offensive grade: 73.8 (10th out of 45 qualifying TEs—minimum 29 targets)
PFF receiving grade: 79.1 (6th out of 45)
PFF pass blocking grade: 57.2 (56th out of 86 qualifying TEs—minimum 91 blocking snaps)
PFF run blocking grade: 55.2 (t-49th out of 86)
LaPorta’s counting stats didn’t quite reach the heights from his record-setting rookie season, leaving some to wonder why he didn’t produce at the same clip in Year 2. With only one football on the field at a time—combined with the emergence of more prominent roles and opportunities for guys like Gibbs and Jameson Williams—it’s easy to explain why we saw LaPorta’s surface numbers take a dip. But that step back from a box-score standpoint wasn’t anything that fazed the young tight end. LaPorta’s awareness of his role in the grand scheme of things, including his development as part of the run game, underscores the poise and football IQ he brings to a crowded, dynamic offense.
“I was very pleased with how...
