2023 Stat Prediction for Sam LaPorta
The buzz surrounding Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta continues to grow.
LaPorta, the No. 34 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has easily been one of the Lions' biggest standout performers since the start of rookie minicamp in May.
Throughout both rookie and mandatory minicamp and OTAs, the Iowa product has consistently displayed fluid route-running ability and solid hands. And, along the way, he's already built a nice rapport with Detroit veteran signal-caller Jared Goff.
Subsequently, the early belief is that the 6-foot-4, 249-pounder has the necessary makeup and ability to be the team's No. 1 tight end coming out of training camp.
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been impressed by what he's seen so far from the first-year pro.
"(Tight end) is probably top three in terms of toughest positions to play in this offense, because there is so much on their plate," Johnson said earlier this offseason. “It’s run game, it’s pass game, it’s protection, and they had the least amount of meeting time, truthfully. They have to be in special teams and (tight ends) coach (Steve) Heiden doesn’t have much time. So, what (LaPorta) has been doing so far has been pretty remarkable, when you see the growth that they have already made in just a couple weeks on the field. ... Sam LaPorta has been impressive for a rookie, in terms of digesting the offense right now."
LaPorta is coming off a solid final season at Iowa, during which he caught 58 passes for 657 yards and a score. He also averaged 54.8 reception yards a game in 2022.
Additionally, in four years and 46 total games with the Hawkeyes, he amassed 153 receptions for 1,786 yards and five touchdowns.
In his inaugural campaign with the Lions, I'm projecting LaPorta to record 48 catches, 496 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
