With the pick the Detroit Lions acquired from their trade with the Arizona Cardinals last night, the Lions dip back into the Iowa tight end pool and select Sam LaPorta.
Surely Lions fans will have a case of deja vu today, considering the Lions had done this before when they selected T.J. Hockenson, who they traded to the Minnesota Vikings last year. Also, this is the second Hawkeye taken this year, along with the selection of LB Jack Campbell from yesterday. Clearly, the Lions have their type of guy, and LaPorta fits that mold of Lions football.
LaPorta enjoyed a stellar career in high school playing wide receiver and defensive back while notching 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his junior season and another 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions his senior year. He also played basketball, baseball, and track, indicating that this might be something the Lions enjoy targeting multi-sport players.
Even though he only started two games his first year, he did lead the Hawkeyes in receptions (27) in a shortened season. He took off his junior season leading the team in receiving (670 yards) and three touchdowns, but drops were an issue having five in the season. In his senior season, he enjoyed another strong season as the team’s top receiver once again, with 657 yards and one touchdown, but drops were once again an issue, with six in that season. However, he did earn Big Ten TE of the Year honors while also being a captain for the Hawkeyes.
LaPorta lined up everywhere in Iowa, from the backfield to receiver, and easy to see why with his frame and fluidity in routes that allowed him to be the all-time receptions leader at Iowa at tight end. He was also difficult to bring down, forcing over 20 missed tackles last year. He may not be the fastest on the field, but he knows how to use his body and control to make himself available throughout the route process. Character is a big indicator for the Lions, and LaPorta has it in full while also processing a strong work ethic with a competitive streak.
He is a willing blocker, but that is an area he will need to work on, but thankfully the Lions have Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra, who are strong blockers in themselves that will allow them to open LaPorta. Again, you can look at the stats and notice the touchdown-to-drop ratio is not ideal, but this is something LaPorta can work on in Detroit.
Some might have reservations about going after another Iowa tight end, but you need to eliminate those worries because LaPorta is not Hockenson to any stretch. LaPorta is a stronger blocker, and his yards after the catch are a strong point of his game. His football intelligence is very easy to see with body control and route rhythm, giving Jared Goff a strong target on the field. His athleticism allows him to be a menace on the field, and he will fit well with the Lions culture.
Grade: B+
