Sam LaPorta was everything the Detroit Lions could have hoped he’d be as a rookie last year, and more. He set every single-season record for a Lions’ tight end, regardless of experience, while setting the NFL record for catches by a rookie tight end (86). He followed that, as he battled a knee injury suffered in the regular season finale, with 21 catches for 176 yards and a touchdown in the playoffs.
LaPorta will be challenged to build on his spectacular start, as he has identified areas of his game that he can improve. Even if his numbers drop slightly, a sophomore slump appears unlikely. The NFL is releasing its Top 100 players for 2024, as voted on by players, counting down in increments of ten. The first two groups of ten players did not include any Lions, indicating that they will have some highly ranked players following their triumph last season.
On Tuesday, the top 100 list was revised to add positions 80–71. LaPorta finished at number 80. “It just took one season for LaPorta to make his first Pro Bowl participation and reach the Top 100 list. He emerged as a valuable fundamental player for the Lions. With 86 receptions during the regular season, LaPorta set the tight end rookie record for most catches in one year. According to NFL Research, he was the only tight end with 80 or more receptions, 800 or more receiving yards, and seven or more touchdowns.
LaPorta has instantly become one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Consistency is the next step for him in Year 2, with room for improvement as a blocker. He has espoused the benefits of having a former tight end as his head coach, which will only help him potentially cement his place as the best in the league at the position in due time.
