Sam La Porta has had a unique rookie season in Detroit.
Amidst being named Second Team All-Pro this season after going in the 2nd round to the Lions in the 2023 NFL draft, it has been quite a 12 months for the Iowa standout.
Now the question has finally be answered, per Underdog NFL.
Sam LaPorta has been outstanding this year, setting the rookie tight end receptions record that been in place for nearly 40 years prior. LaPorta had 889 yards on those record setting 86 receptions, good for 4th best in the NFL.
It is quite clear that after just one season of play, LaPorta has entered the upper echelon of tight ends, alongside Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce, George Kittle and, with an excellent year in 2023, Evan Engram.
Strategically, Lions head coach revealed that the team had two distinct game plans, one with, and another without LaPorta. And he is right to do so: between him and now All-Pro wide receiver, Amon-Ra St Brown, providing single coverage to either can be lethal. Thus, the fact that the Lions have both available will be a true boon to the effectiveness of the Detroit Lions’ passing offense.