When the second round of the 2023 NFL draft kicked off, nobody thought the Detroit Lions were going to select a tight end. Most fans felt like the Lions organization wouldn’t value running backs, tight ends, or linebackers high in the draft, but it’s clear that the Lions don’t have a particular type or different values. They’ve got their rankings of the players and they stick to them.
Anyone should be able to respect that — especially if it leads to positive results.
As the Lions went on the clock with the 34th overall pick, there were a plethora of tight ends available. That includes Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer. If they were going to go that route, he felt like the pick. Tons of college production, good size, and just felt like a Dan Campbell type of player. However, they surprised us all when they selected Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta.
At first, I was really scratching my head and wondering why they didn’t go with Mayer. But then I got to thinking about some of the athletic testing numbers from LaPorta, and he really makes sense for what they’re trying to create on offense. That’s to have players that can create after-the-catch and have terrific change of direction ability.
LaPorta brings that to the table with his 4.59 speed in the 40-yard dash and 6.91 time in the 3-cone drill. Let’s jump into some tape to look at what the Lions are getting with the talented Iowa tight end.
Angle route with YAC ability
During the 2022 season, LaPorta saw an increase in production. Especially when you look at his ability to produce yards after-the-catch. Per PFF, LaPorta had 317 yards after-the-catch in 2022. His athletic ability for his size is impressive, and it should help him have an easy transition to the next level.
Looking at the play above, you’ll see Iowa in an empty formation with LaPorta aligned inside on a condensed set. As the ball is snapped, he begins to push vertically up the field but he starts to position himself as if he’s going to run a route that breaks out or up-and-out towards the sideline.
In the process, he watches the safety (Illinois DB 30) aggressively attack downhill and that’s when he breaks back inside on an angle route. With the middle of the field wide open, he’s able to run free and clear up the field for a huge gain. This is something that the Lions are missing from the position currently.
Change of direction ability
Having a tight end that can catch the football, stick his foot in the ground and turn on a dime is different. To be able to do it all the time is rare and there’s only a select few in the NFL that can do it on a consistent basis. When watching LaPorta, he does it all the time. Could the Lions have one of the next great tight ends to come in and dominate? Anything is possible.
Oddly enough in the clip above, you’ll see Sam LaPorta and Aidan Hutchinson make eye contact. Now they’re teammates. But with that, LaPorta just runs a quick out and he knows that the linebacker is going to be on his tail once he secures the pass. Quickly, he plants and fools the linebacker by turning back inside and running upfield. More often than not, a tight end is going to catch the ball and just get upfield for positive yardage. LaPorta is always looking to do more.
Overall Thoughts
The selection of Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta makes a ton of sense for the Lions. There was a sneaky need for a tight end that can move around and produce. While the Lions had flashes from Shane Zylstra and Brock Wright last season, there was no real threat at the position. It does feel like the team might value James Mitchell but that remains to be seen.
With LaPorta, the Lions get a player that can do a variety of things. He can play in the slot, in-line or even out wide. During his career at Iowa, he had 513 snaps in-line and 304 snaps out of the slot (per PFF). It really wouldn’t be surprising if LaPorta walks into Detroit and earns the starting tight end spot. He has the talent to do it and by being the 34th overall pick, there is going to be some high expectations for him.
Fortunately, he change direction at ease, shake defenders and run after-the-catch on a consistent basis. There should be no concerns with the ability to produce in the NFL. In fact, I’d expect him to be more productive with Jared Goff at quarterback and with Ben Johnson calling the plays than he was at Iowa. While the Lions are a run first team, there’s definitely going to be times where he’s going to have to run block. He’ll need to become more consistent in that area with his body positioning and hand placement but he’s a willing blocker and can get aggressive.
When listening to Lions GM Brad Holmes talk to the media after the draft, it does feel like he intends for the Lions to use LaPorta early and often. He said, “…you go even to Sam LaPorta, a guy that I would say more along the terms of a gritty weapon. I do think that Sam would be able to make an early impact.”
Regardless of who was on the board during the 2023 NFL Draft, this was a pick that made a ton of sense for Detroit. LaPorta will certainly provide an immediate impact but there’s potential for him to be the most productive player from the Lions draft class.
The Detroit Lions added Iowa TE Sam LaPorta with the 34th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His skill-set immediately separates him from the TEs on the roster. Wouldn't be surprised if he's a day one starter.
– Easily shakes defenders
– Great YAC ability
– Fluid route runner… pic.twitter.com/4TBynpk0F9— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) May 1, 2023
