**Rising Star: ESPN Survey Tabs Sam LaPorta as One of League’s Best TEs**
The NFL is a league where young talent can emerge quickly, but few have made as immediate an impact as Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. In just his rookie season, LaPorta not only established himself as a key piece of the Lions’ high-powered offense but also earned recognition as one of the best tight ends in the league. A recent ESPN survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts confirmed what Lions fans already knew: LaPorta is a rising star, ranking among the elite at his position. His combination of athleticism, football IQ, and reliability has drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats, and at just 23 years old, his ceiling appears limitless.
LaPorta’s rapid ascent shouldn’t come as a complete surprise to those who followed his college career at Iowa, a program known for producing NFL-ready tight ends. Despite playing in a run-heavy offense that didn’t always highlight his receiving skills, LaPorta stood out as a dependable target with strong route-running ability and sure hands. The Lions saw enough potential to select him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he quickly rewarded their faith by becoming one of the most productive rookie tight ends in recent memory.
From the outset, LaPorta showcased an advanced understanding of the game, seamlessly transitioning into Detroit’s offensive scheme. His chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff was evident early, as he became a safety valve on critical downs and a red-zone threat. By the end of the 2023 season, LaPorta had amassed 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns—numbers that not only led all rookie tight ends but also placed him near the top of the league regardless of experience. His performance earned him Pro Bowl honors and a spot on the All-Pro second team, a rare feat for a first-year player at one of the most demanding positions in football.
What makes LaPorta’s success even more impressive is the difficulty of playing tight end at a high level as a rookie. The position requires a unique blend of skills: blocking like an offensive lineman, running routes like a receiver, and reading defenses like a quarterback. Many talented prospects take years to develop into complete players, but LaPorta looked like a veteran from day one. His ability to contribute both as a pass-catcher and a run blocker made him indispensable to Detroit’s offense, which ranked among the league’s best in 2023.
The ESPN survey, which polled dozens of NFL insiders, placed LaPorta in the upper echelon of tight ends, a testament to how quickly he has earned respect across the league. While established stars like Travis Kelce and George Kittle still dominate the conversation, LaPorta’s name was frequently mentioned in the next tier, alongside players like T.J. Hockenson and Mark Andrews. One anonymous AFC scout praised LaPorta’s versatility, saying, “He doesn’t have a glaring weakness. He can block, he can separate, and he’s tough after the catch. For a young guy, he plays with a lot of polish.”
Another factor in LaPorta’s rapid rise is his fit within the Lions’ system. Head coach Dan Campbell, a former NFL tight end himself, has emphasized the importance of the position in his offense. Campbell’s scheme often utilizes multiple tight end sets, creating mismatches and keeping defenses guessing. LaPorta thrived in this environment, frequently lining up in different spots—whether in-line, in the slot, or out wide—to exploit favorable matchups. His football intelligence allowed him to adjust on the fly, and Goff’s trust in him grew with each game.
Beyond the stats and accolades, LaPorta’s impact can be measured in clutch moments. In Week 18, with the Lions fighting for playoff positioning, he delivered a crucial touchdown in a win over the Minnesota Vikings. Then, in Detroit’s wild-card playoff victory over the Los Angeles Rams—the franchise’s first postseason win in over three decades—he played through a knee injury to haul in a key third-down conversion that helped seal the game. That toughness and willingness to play through pain further endeared him to teammates and fans alike.
Looking ahead, LaPorta’s trajectory suggests he could soon be in the conversation for the title of best tight end in football. Kelce and Kittle are still playing at an elite level, but both are in their 30s, and the next wave of talent is beginning to take over. LaPorta’s combination of youth, production, and potential makes him a prime candidate to lead that transition. If he continues to develop at this rate, he could become the centerpiece of Detroit’s offense for years to come.
Of course, maintaining success in the NFL is never guaranteed. Defenses will adjust, studying his tendencies and looking for ways to limit his effectiveness. The challenge for LaPorta will be staying one step ahead, refining his route-running, and continuing to improve as a blocker. Given his work ethic and football IQ, there’s little reason to doubt his ability to adapt.
The Lions, meanwhile, have to be thrilled with their investment. Finding a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end in the second round is a steal, and LaPorta’s presence has already elevated the entire offense. With Goff under center, Amon-Ra St. Brown at receiver, and a dominant offensive line, Detroit has the pieces in place to remain one of the most dangerous units in the league. LaPorta’s emergence as a go-to weapon only adds another dimension to an already potent attack.
In many ways, LaPorta’s rookie season was a microcosm of the Lions’ resurgence. A franchise long mired in mediocrity has suddenly become one of the NFL’s most exciting teams, and LaPorta embodies that rise. His confidence, skill, and professionalism mirror the culture Campbell has instilled in Detroit—a belief that hard work and attention to detail can lead to greatness.
As the 2024 season approaches, expectations for both LaPorta and the Lions are higher than they’ve been in decades. If he builds on his stellar debut, he won’t just be considered one of the league’s best tight ends—he could be the face of a new era in Detroit football. The ESPN survey was just the beginning; the real excitement lies in what Sam LaPorta does next.
