Sam LaPorta:
Scouting Reports:
SI Draft Bible: https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/samlaporta
Walter football: https://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2023slaporta.php
NFL Draft Buzz: https://www.nfldraftbuzz.com/Player/Sam-LaPorta-TE-Iowa
Draft Network: https://thedraftnetwork.com/sr-prospect/sam-laporta-0cceb5ff-8e5c-4f33-8f4a-9952da224c58/
Fantasy Pro: https://www.fantasypros.com/2023/01/2023-nfl-draft-scouting-report-sam-laporta-te-iowa/
Articles:
Pete Prisco's 2023 NFL Draft Better-Than Team (Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa - When you are doing a work up on a tight end, there is nothing more complimentary in today's game than saying he runs his routes like a receiver. That's LaPorta. Playing in a terrible offense at Iowa, due to awful quarterback play, LaPorta was still able to flash his pass-catching skills. He is a player who should be considered as the first tight end taken; that's how valuable he will be as a receiver at the next level. He is a willing blocker, and not a bad one, but he needs to get stronger to improve in that area. But that's not why you would draft him. You draft him so when he becomes a 75-catch tight end -- which he will -- you can check off that part of your offensive needs.) (4-27-28): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/better-than-team-for-2023-nfl-draft-here-are-the-prospects-pete-prisco-likes-more-than-scouts-do/
2023 NFL Draft: PFF analysts name their favorite draft prospects (BEN LINSEY: TE SAM LAPORTA, IOWA (Big board rank: 43, Mock draft ADP: 58.3): LaPorta ranked third among FBS tight ends in receptions over the last two seasons, finishing behind only Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers, and he tested above the 85th percentile at the position in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, shuttle and three-cone. This year’s tight end class is stronger than other recent classes, but LaPorta shouldn’t be getting lost in the shuffle.) (4-27-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-my-guys-pff-favorite-prospects
Secret Superstars of the 2023 NFL draft: The best underrated prospects (Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: From Dallas Clark to Noah Fant to George Kittle to T.J. Hockenson, Iowa has a pretty rich recent history of transitioning tight ends to the NFL, and that’s especially remarkable given the fact that the Hawkeyes’ passing game isn’t always… well, spectacular. Add LaPorta to the list. Last season, he caught 58 passes on 90 targets for 648 yards and a touchdown in an offense that should have been locked in a shed. Based on his consistency in the short and intermediate areas, underrated deep receiving potential, and ability to break all kinds of tackles, LaPorta projects well as a weapon at the next level — especially in a functional offense!) (4-26-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-sleepers-underrated-players/
2023 NFL Draft sleepers: Rob Rang's 10 favorite Day 2 and 3 prospects (Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: This year's tight end class has generated a great deal of buzz, and for good reason – in nearly 25 years of evaluating college prospects, it is truly one of the best classes I've seen. But only recently has LaPorta begun to get his due. Slightly smaller than some of this year's other top-rated tight ends at 6-foot-4 and 246 pounds, LaPorta doesn't pass the eye test with the flying colors that the aforementioned Avila might but he's solidly built, demonstrating greater contact balance and desire after the catch than many of the bigger prospects available this year at the position. And the soft, reliable hands he offers — as well as the quickness and savvy as a route-runner — guarantee that he will quickly become his quarterback's best friend, as LaPorta proved to be at Iowa, leading the Hawkeyes in receptions and receiving yards the past two seasons. Look, I'm intrigued by the safety (Notre Dame's Michael Mayer), size (Georgia's Darnell Washington) and scoring ability (Utah's Dalton Kincaid) offered by other top-rated tight ends in this class. But LaPorta might offer the best value of the group.) (4-26-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-sleepers-rob-rangs-10-favorite-day-2-and-3-prospects
NFL draft preview: Depth at WR, TE could benefit Lions after Jameson Williams suspension (And Schoonmaker is one of three Big Ten tight ends who could hear their names called on Day 2, along with Iowa’s Sam LaPorta and Penn State’s Brenton Strange.) (4-24-23): https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/24/nfl-draft-preview-depth-wr-te-detroit-lions-jameson-williams-suspension/70146290007/
2023 NFL Draft Week Rumors Monday (Another tight end who has been hurt by the medical evaluation is Iowa's Sam LaPorta. LaPorta is a sleeper prospect who a lot of teams really loved. In speaking to sources at multiple teams, they said the medical report was not bad enough to get LaPorta dropped off their board. However, it was not clean ,and it would be the reason if LaPorta slides into the middle or back half of the second round during the 2023 NFL Draft.) (4-24-23): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/2023-NFL-Draft-Week-Rumors-Monday
Lions enter NFL Draft 'in great shape,' NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah says ("Sam LaPorta from Iowa, I love, and I think he's got a good chance to be in there. I think there's a very good chance that the top guys are gone. .. if you're picking between Sam LaPorta, Tucker Kraft from South Dakota State, or (Luke) Schoonmaker from Michigan, I think all those guys are plug-and-play, I think they're impactful right away.") (4-20-23): https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2023/04/20/detroit-lions-enter-nfl-draft-in-great-shape-daniel-jeremiah-says/70134233007/
The 2023 NFL Draft Class' Best at Everything: The top performers in 100 PFF premium stats (Best TE by Route - Screen: Sam LaPorta, Iowa. LaPorta led all college tight ends with 112 receiving yards on screen passes in 2022. Out: Sam LaPorta, Iowa. LaPorta also led all FBS tight ends with 201 receiving yards on out routes.) (4-20-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-class-best-at-everything-100-premium-stats
Top 10 Tight Ends in the 2023 NFL Draft: Dalton Kincaid, Michael Mayer Vie for TE1 (6. Sam LaPorta, Iowa: It has to count for something that Sam LaPorta was able to amass over 100 receptions and over 1,200 receiving yards in Iowa’s offense through the stretch of 2021 and 2022. The Hawkeyes were famously averse to aerial production, but LaPorta found a way to keep putting up yards, regardless. LaPorta doesn’t always play to his elite athletic testing numbers, but he’s a smooth mover in space who has a functional route tree. He adjusts well for passes in stride and has some of the best RAC utility in the 2023 NFL Draft TE group. With his reliable receiving ability and floor as a moving blocker, he can be an above-average starter.) (4-19-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-te-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-cameron-latu-jaheim-bell-lead-the-chase-behind-michael-mayer/
NFL Draft prospects 2023: The top 10 tight ends (5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa (6-3, 245 pounds): LaPorta is arguably the most well-rounded tight end in the class because of his experience as a reliable short-to-intermediate receiver and willing run blocker. He is more of the classic option at the position. Mock draft projection: Dolphins in Round 3) (4-19-23): https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-draft-2023-prospects-tight-ends-rankings/z2eyuvnmzdek5pzjpti6k8tn
Sam LaPorta NFL Draft 2023 Prospect Interview (4-17-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/sam-laporta-nfl-draft-2023-interview/
2023 NFL Draft: The top 8 tight ends (4. Sam LaPorta, Iowa (Height: 6′ 3⅜” (23rd percentile), Weight: 245 (17th), 40-Yard Dash: 4.59 (90th), 10-Yard Split: 1.62 (69th), Vertical Jump: 35″ (73rd), Broad Jump: 123″ (90th), 3-Cone Drill: 6.91 (88th), 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.25 (78th), Arm Length: 32⅛” (16th), Hand Size: 10¼” (81st)) - Bio: A four-year letterman and three-year team captain at Highland High in Highland, Illinois, LaPorta played wide receiver and defensive back to good renown. He was also a star in basketball, baseball, and track, and Iowa broke the logjam for the three-star recruit by offering him a football scholarship after seeing how he moved on the basketball court. Over four seasons with the Hawkeyes, LaPorta caught 153 passes on 238 targets for 1,777 yards and five touchdowns. Last season, he had 381 snaps in-line, 111 in the slot, 90 out wide, 28 in the backfield, and three at quarterback. If you want to know how the Hawkeyes finished their 2022 season with an 8-5 record, including a 21-0 win over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl, consider that their defense ranked second among FBS teams in points allowed per game, and they ranked 123rd of 131 in points scored per game. Sam LaPorta, who continues an estimable tradition of Iowa tight ends including Dallas Clark, George Kittle, Noah Fant, and T.J. Hockenson, was the only real receiving threat in a passing game that averaged 14.8 completions, 156.7 yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per contest. His 58 catches on 90 targets for 648 yards and one touchdown should be seen in context. We generally go with more biographical information here, but it really is important to note what LaPorta was able to do with what he had to deal with. Stat to Know: LaPorta led all tight ends in his class with 20 missed tackles forced, and I think about half of them came on this 27-yard catch against Kentucky in that bowl game. Strengths: So, yes. LaPorta is an after-catch demon, who has the wherewithal to find openings in space on short passes, and an impressive determination to beat people up when their uniforms look different than his. the whole “contested catch” idea is relative with him, because he’s generally the one doing the contesting. We talked about the importance of the “Y-iso” position in the Dalton Kincaid discussion, and LaPorta is another prospect with the athleticism to be that guy. Weaknesses: LaPorta might be a willing blocker; I’m not sure. But the results on tape are often lacking. He doesn’t really have an awareness to target and stick defenders, which can lead to some interesting whiffs. LaPorta had six drops last season and 14 during his time at Iowa, which is less than optimal. You don’t want to assume that a tight end hears footsteps over the middle, but… Conclusion: LaPorta’s NFL team should be excited to play on his potential in an offense that didn’t scare anybody. That team will also have to acclimate to his blocking issues, drops, and the fact that his height precludes him from being a post-up weapon downfield. Still, he shows ability as a move tight end and H-back, and that should work pretty easily into his next phase. NFL Comparison: Owen Daniels. The Texans took Daniels in the fourth round of the 2006 draft out of Wisconsin, and Daniels managed to make two Pro Bowls as an undersized tight end with a lot of savvy, despite mostly bad-to-horrible quarterbacks. Like Daniels, who finished his NFL career as one of Peyton Manning’s more reliable targets in Denver, LaPorta has proven the ability to transcend broken offenses.) (4-17-23): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-tight-ends-dalton-kincaid-michael-mayer-luke-musgrave/
Ranking 10 Tight Ends Lions Could Draft (6. Sam LaPorta, Iowa: If the Lions are looking to replace Hockenson with a similar player, LaPorta may be their guy. Hailing from Iowa, the same alma mater as Detroit's former tight end, he possesses a similar skill set. LaPorta is at his best as a pass-catcher. While his blocking skills may leave more to be desired, he excels in route-running and catching, and will make an impact on the offense where he lands.) (4-13-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/ranking-tight-ends-lions-could-draft
What Are Sam LaPorta’s 4 Best NFL Team Fits? (4-13-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/sam-laporta-packers-chargers-raiders-commanders/
Charles Davis: 17 draft prospects I'd pound table for (Sam LaPorta: In a stacked tight end class, sometimes LaPorta is overlooked. I get it. His numbers last season (58-657-1) don’t jump off the page, but he certainly stood out to me when I watched his tape and saw him work out at the combine. He’s an easy mover, runs good routes and can make plays down the field. He will block at the line of scrimmage, too. Down the road, people will be wondering why he wasn’t picked earlier in the draft.) (4-13-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-prospects-charles-davis-would-pound-the-table-for
2023 NFL Draft preview: 5 tight ends that could interest the Lions (5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa: 6-3, 245. 4.59 40. A four-year player – 46 career games, 32 starts – he put together solid stats in his final two seasons. He had 53 catches for 670 yards in 2021 and 58 catches for 657 yards in 2022. Bottom line: The Iowa pipeline to the NFL continues. George Kittle, Noah Fant and Hockenson are recent Iowa tight ends who made it to the NFL as prominent players.) (4-11-23): https://www.detroitlions.com/news/2023-nfl-draft-preview-5-tight-ends-lions-mayer-kincaid-washington
2023 NFL Draft: Later-round backup plans for top picks (Plan B: Sam LaPorta, Iowa - Kincaid was brilliant on film in 2022 but hasn't been able to showcase his athletic traits during the pre-draft process due to injury. LaPorta has. He tested like an elite athlete at the combine and is even a bit more dynamic after the catch than the Utah star.) (4-11-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-2023-best-backup-plans-for-teams-that-miss-out-on-bryce-young-zay-flowers-and-more-top-prospects/
2023 NFL Draft: Trevor Sikkema's top 5 players at each offensive position (4. Sam LaPorta: Meanwhile, LaPorta and Kraft are two more tight ends who bring that “big receiver” label to life with what they can do in the red zone and after the catch. There’s a chance that a starting, or at least a contributing, tight end can be had in all three of the first three rounds, which you can’t say every year.) (4-5-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-five-players-offense-2023-nfl-draft-sikkema
Jake Haener, Kendre Miller among potential 2023 NFL Draft steals (Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa (Career stats: 153 receptions, 1,786 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns) - Klatt on LaPorta: "He's going to be a draft steal. He might be overlooked and not selected with the other top tight ends because he doesn’t have that burst speed, but guess what? He gets open, he’s highly productive, he's got great hands, and he can do a lot of things in the passing game. Iowa’s offense was not good, and yet if you’re an opposing defense, you knew that if they needed a play, they were going to Sam LaPorta. And he was still highly productive, even being the focal point of the defensive game plan. He's a smart player and I think this guy is gonna be a really good value pick.") (4-3-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/jake-haener-kendre-miller-among-potential-2023-nfl-draft-steals
2023 NFL Draft: Favorite Day 2 player at each position (TIGHT END: SAM LAPORTA, IOWA - LaPorta seems like a discount Michael Mayer in this draft — in draft price, not necessarily talent. He’s an all-around tight end who can provide good reps as a blocker. He also tested well athletically with a 4.59-second 40-yard dash, 10-foot-3 broad and 6.91-second three-cone. I’m not sure where Iowa keeps getting these tight ends, but LaPorta is another good one.) (4-1-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-favorite-day-2-player-each-position
2023 NFL Draft: Sam LaPorta scouting report (3-23-23): https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-sam-laporta-scouting-report/
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Combine II (Stock Up - Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: Last week in the Hot Press, I reached out to sources from around the league to see if there was a consensus that LaPorta had a shot at being a late first-round pick. Sources from four teams said yes, and sources from two teams said no. It only takes one team to fall in love, so LaPorta has first-round potential. "Yes, I think he has a shot at going late one," said an area scout. "He has really good tape. This is a deep tight end class, so it'll be 'what's your flavor,' but he's top-50 for sure." I have LaPorta going late in Round 1 of my 2023 NFL Mock Draft, and if he slips to the second round, he should not have a long wait.) (3/21 update): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_27.php
NFL Draft 2023: Fowler’s Top 10 TE Big Board (5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa: LaPorta’s success as a Hawkeye was underwhelming—but consider the lack of talent on offense. Nonetheless, he’s become a legit target in-line that has no issue moving out to the perimeter and making guys miss. Iowa made it a habit of getting the ball in his hands as much as they could, and his ceiling excites me if he falls into the right situation at the next level.) (3-20-23): https://thedraftnetwork.com/nfl-draft-2023-te-big-board-fowler/
2023 NFL Draft: Tight end prospect superlatives (Best After The Catch: Sam Laporta, Iowa: There were so many good YAC options to choose from here. Obviously, Kincaid and Mayer do great work with the ball in their hands. Washington has Gronk-like power in his frame post-catch, and Tucker Kraft almost always needed two defenders to bring him down at the FCS level. Ultimately, it’s difficult to watch LaPorta’s tape, though, and go anywhere else with this superlative. LaPorta is nothing short of special in this regard. You won’t find many tight ends as fluid with the ball in their hands in the league right now. Over the past two seasons, he’s broken 30 tackles on 111 receptions. He’s the kind of tight end who can legitimately be a threat on screens at the next level.) (3-17-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-tight-end-prospect-superlatives-nfl-2023
NFL Hot Press: Some Sources Think LaPorta Might Go First Round (3-16-23): https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Sam-LaPorta-Has-First-Round-Potential
2023 NFL Draft: Every top-10 tight end's highest-graded season (SAM LAPORTA, IOWA (Big board rank: 50/TE4, Best PFF grade: 80.1, 2022, 2022 Receiving grade: 85.3, 2022 Run-blocking grade: 53.1)) (3-8-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-every-top-10-tight-ends-highest-graded-season
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Combine (Stock Up - Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: Campbell wasn't the only Hawkeye to really help himself in Indianapolis. LaPorta had a superb workout with an excellent showing in the field drills. The workout numbers were also very good, including a 4.59-second time in the 40-yard dash, which was the second fastest of any tight end. LaPorta probably locked himself into the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft with his combine performance.) (3-7-23): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_25.php
2023 NFL Draft TE rankings: Dalton Kincaid leads "unique" top 10 (5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa, 6-3, 245, Senior - Overview: Few programs routinely churn out high-caliber NFL tight ends like the Iowa Hawkeyes do. Consider that the last three drafted from the program are San Francisco 49ers star George Kittle (2017) and 2019 first rounders T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, with nine players at the position selected total during Kirk Ferentz's time as head coach. LaPorta leaves Iowa City as the most productive pass-catching tight end in the program's illustrious history, with 153 grabs, good for 1,756 yards and five touchdowns over 46 games, including 32 starts. Those career totals — as well as the fact that LaPorta was named one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award in 2022 — are a testament to his durability and reliability, as, much to the chagrin of many Iowa fans, the Hawkeyes have one of the more conservative and methodical offenses in the college game. Iowa averaged 156.7 passing yards a game last year and scored a total of just seven touchdowns through the air. LaPorta's tape suggests he could be much more productive, and his history suggests the same. Originally given a three-star grade by recruiters who doubted he could remain at wide receiver in college, LaPorta dominated in high school, ranking second in Illinois prep history with 50 receiving touchdowns, as well as third with 3,793 yards.Strengths: Former wide receiver who grew into a tight end and still possesses the shiftiness and speed to make covering him one-on-one a tough task. A quality athlete with good initial quickness and above-average straight-line speed for the position, but one who plays faster and stronger than he'll likely test as he's a "natural" football player who runs sharp routes, catches the ball cleanly and competes to the whistle. LaPorta has a plan as a route-runner, adjusting his gait and lean to get defenders off-balance and exploding out of cuts, creating easy throwing lanes for quarterbacks to exploit. He shows good awareness against zone coverage. Recognizes soft spots and where the sticks are and works to uncover for his quarterback. He has soft hands and tends to snatch and secure the ball in one fluid motion. He shows good core flexibility to widen his catch zone, extending high, low, behind and diving ahead to make difficult grabs look routine. LaPorta is creative after the catch. He has some lateral agility to elude and runs tougher than he looks, lowering his shoulder and bouncing off contact with good balance and burst to gobble up yards. He isn't going to wow anyone with his blocking but he's assignment-sound and possesses enough strength and competitiveness to turn and seal off defenders. He's alert and looks to help out teammates. Voted a team captain in 2022 and the recipient of the Coaches Appreciation Award.Concerns: LaPorta has just average size for the position. His average height and arm length (32 ¼") does show up on tape with defenders able to jostle him at the line of scrimmage and throughout his route, ruining the timing with his quarterback, at times. While typically a reliable hands-catcher, there are occasional "drops" of contested passes where defenders' longer reach can knock the ball away… Similarly, he lacks the bulk to handle consistent in-line duties in the NFL, projecting best on the wing or in motion. LaPorta is more quick than fast and played in a tight-end-friendly scheme that created advantageous matchups for him. Bottom Line: LaPorta isn't the biggest, strongest or fastest, but he's among the better pure football players in this talented class of tight ends. Don't be surprised if he ultimately winds up outperforming some of the flashier prospects who may have been drafted ahead of him. Grade: Third round) (3-6-23): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-te-rankings-dalton-kincaid-leads-unique-cop-of-top-10-prospects
All-Combine Team: Who crushed it at each position? (Sam LaPorta: Michael Mayer has a strong case to be in this spot, but I'm going with LaPorta because the former Hawkeye had a slightly cleaner workout. LaPorta was consistent and controlled, displaying the athleticism that his testing suggested. Speaking of testing, the 6-foot-3, 265-pound Laporta finished third among TEs in the 40-yard dash (4.59), sixth in the broad jump (10-3) and seventh in the vertical (35 inches). His polished on-field performance and impressive athleticism suggest he'll be quite productive at the next level. He certainly was this weekend.) (3-6-23): https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-all-combine-team-offense
NFL Combine Day 5 Risers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Darnell Washington, and Jonathan Mingo Star (Sam LaPorta, TE | Iowa: Sam LaPorta has been highly rated on my board for three years yet he exceeded expectations during his workout. His forty time of 4.59 seconds was more than one-tenth faster than scouts thought he could run. LaPorta further proved his athleticism with a 35″ vertical jump and 10’3’’ broad jump. He looked like a receiver in position drills, easily moving around the field, and was very natural in catching the ball. LaPorta is another who cemented himself as a second-round pick.) (3-5-23): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-combine-risers-day-5-2023-pauline/
What They're Saying: Top Draft Prospects Learn Lions Culture (Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta: "I walked in there and immediately hit the tape. I started learning a new play call. And after I learned a new play call for about five minutes, they jumped into some of my tape. And then at the very end of the meeting, we came back to the play call and I had to remember all the splits of the receivers, tight ends, what routes were they running. Very small details as the routes and it was interesting. Yeah, but very direct.”) (3-5-23): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/what-theyre-saying-lions-top-draft-prospects
NFL Combine results: 8 standouts from the tight end group (Sam LaPorta, Iowa, 6-foot-3, 245
4.59 (40-yard dash), 10-foot-3 (broad jump), 6.91 (3-cone), 4.25 (short shuttle): There’s something about Iowa’s offense that leaves you wanting more, and that can leave a bad impression of LaPorta’s game on analysts. He was in my second tier of tight ends heading into the Combine, and while he remains in that group, his workout pushed him to the top of said tier. With impressive workout numbers across the board, LaPorta had my attention, and it didn’t take long before he won me over. I thought he got a bit high in the blocking drills, something that showed up on game film too, but his ability to extend power despite being slightly off with his technique was promising. As a receiver, he showed soft hands, was an easy glider when running routes, was explosive when cutting, and fired up the field with great explosion. He routinely located the ball with ease and looked the ball in through his hands to secure the catch. Overall, a well-balanced, impressive day in multiple areas.) (3-4-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/5/23624921/2023-nfl-combine-results-8-standouts-tight-end-prospects-winners-losers
Iowa TE Sam LaPorta offers revealing insight into Lions’ combine interview process (3-5-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/3/5/23625921/iowa-te-sam-laporta-insight-detroit-lions-interview-process-meeting-nfl-combine-2023
2023 NFL Combine Stock Report - Tight Ends (Up - Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: Sam LaPorta continued the tradition of Iowa tight ends dominating the combine. He ran a 4.59 at 6-3, 245. He also notched a 35-inch vertical and a 10-3 broad jump. More importantly, LaPorta thrived in the on-field drills.) (3-4-23): https://walterfootball.com/combine2023stockTE.php
NFL Combine: WR/TE winners and losers (Tight ends Winners - Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: LaPorta was a bit undersized, but he ran well. Fans saw him display an ability to track the football downfield, as well as keep his line across the field in the gauntlet drill. One NFL team is going to get a well-rounded tight end from a consistent producer of the position. LaPorta was not able to haul in the final fade throw on the night after a solid workout.) (3-4-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-combine-2023-jaxon-smith-njigba-darnell-washington-among-winners-and-losers-in-wr-te-groups/
2023 NFL Scouting Combine: Standouts from quarterback, wide receiver and tight end drills (TE Sam Laporta, Iowa: I’m not sure what they’re putting in the water in Iowa City, Iowa, but the Hawkeyes at the combine have been showing out in a big way. LaPorta’s 4.59-second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3 and 245 pounds was the third-fastest time at the position. He then recorded a 35-inch vertical and a 10-foot-3 broad. LaPorta is an experienced, all-around tight end who showed good receiving ability, but to see those kinds of athletic numbers on him means he has even more in the tank to develop. It was a big weekend for LaPorta as he tries to stand out among a solid tight end class.) (3-4-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-scouting-combine-standouts-quarterback-wide-receiver-tight-end-drills
Iowa TE Sam LaPorta had a memorable meeting with Lions coach Dan Campbell (3-4-23): https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2023/03/04/sam-laporta-scouting-combine-lions-interview-meeting-dan-campbell/
2023 NFL combine preview: 15 future fantasy football stars to watch (Sam LaPorta, Iowa: LaPorta has the tools to emerge as a consistent middle-of-the-field producer in the NFL. He may not be the buzziest prospect (despite hailing from Tight End U), but his reliable hands and extensive route tree could allow him a Heath Miller-esque career at the next level. The Iowa product could hear his name called as early as day two ... but it will require a strong showing in the 40-yard-dash (mid-4.6 range).) (2-27-23): https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/story/_/id/35747281/2023-nfl-combine-fantasy-football-players-watch
NFL Draft: Top 5 prospects at each offensive position (3. TE Sam LaPorta: LaPorta is sneaky-good after the catch which is vital in my evals of tight ends) (2-27-23): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-breaking-down-the-top-5-prospects-at-each-offensive-position-heading-into-the-combine/
2023 NFL Combine preview: 10 tight ends the Lions should be watching (Sam LaPorta, Iowa, 6-foot-4, 250: A balanced tight end who does his best work after the ball is in his hands. He can line up all over the field and is a competitive blocker, but he lacks the ability to sustain blocks which could be an issue for a run-first team. He is likely an option on Day 2 and will need to show improvement—especially as a blocker for Detroit—in order to earn a starting role.) (2-23-23): https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2023/2/23/23608339/2023-nfl-combine-preview-10-tights-ends-the-lions-should-be-watching
2023 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Tight end (4. SAM LAPORTA, IOWA (BIG BOARD RANK: 57): LaPorta has the tools to be a difference-maker at the position. That's who you want to take chances on at the position.) (2-21-23): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-position-rankings-tight-end
Top 10 Tight Ends in the 2023 NFL Draft: Dalton Kincaid, Tucker Kraft Lead the Chase Behind Michael Mayer (10. Sam LaPorta, Iowa: It has to count for something that Sam LaPorta was able to amass over 100 receptions and over 1,200 receiving yards in Iowa’s offense over the past two seasons. The Hawkeyes were famously averse to aerial production, but LaPorta found a way to keep putting up yards, regardless. LaPorta doesn’t have the elite athletic upside that other Iowa tight ends have had in the past, but he’s a solid all-around prospect who should earn a rotational role quickly in the league and potentially grow into an above-average starter.) (12-23-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-10-te-in-the-2023-nfl-draft-cameron-latu-jaheim-bell-lead-the-chase-behind-michael-mayer/
Sam LaPorta Embracing Music City Bowl (12-23-22): https://www.si.com/college/iowa/football/sam-laporta-embracing-music-city-bowl
Mel Kiper ranks Top 10 tight ends ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft (5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa) (12-15-22): https://www.on3.com/news/mel-kiper-ranks-top-10-tight-ends-ahead-of-the-2023-nfl-draft-michael-mayer-darnell-washington-cameron-latu/
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 tight end prospects (5. SAM LAPORTA, IOWA (SENIOR | 6-4, 249) (2022 Grade: 78.3, Play Style: YAC Weapon, Initial Round Projection: Day 2): LaPorta is one of the best tight ends in the class with the ball in his hands. The Hawkeyes obviously knew this, as they fed him 10 screens on the year — a bit of a rarity for a tight end. He broke 14 tackles on 53 catches for 592 yards with a low 7.3-yard average depth of target. Don’t let that fool you into thinking he can’t be a vertical threat, though. LaPorta has enough speed to stride past the linebacker level and create big plays in the passing game. What LaPorta doesn’t quite have like some others on this list is natural separation ability. He lacks the kind of smooth hips to sink and explode at the breaks of his routes, meaning he’s not always the most effective chain-mover. He’d pair very nicely with stretch zone teams, as the route tree that tight ends run off that (overs, crossers, flats) fits perfectly with LaPorta’s skill set.) (12-14-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-top-10-tight-end-rankings
Iowa Hawkeyes' Sam LaPorta among Pro Football Focus' top 5 tight end draft prospects (12-14-22): https://hawkeyeswire.usatoday.com/2022/12/14/iowa-football-hawkeyes-sam-laporta-top-five-nfl-tight-end-draft-prospects-pro-football-focus/
NFL Draft: Sam LaPorta named BIG-10 Tight End of the Year (11-30-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-sam-laporta-named-big-10-tight-end-of-the-year
Chase Brown, Tuli Tuipulotu and other power players NFL scouts will watch in Week 12 (In 6-foot-4, 249-pound Sam LaPorta, Ferentz and the Hawkeyes appear to have their next star at the position. LaPorta only has one touchdown reception on the season (and five for his career) but he’s well on his way towards setting a career-high with 49 grabs so far this season. He is quick off the ball and accelerates smoothly, changing directions efficiently and showing good balance to shake off tacklers. He possesses soft hands to pluck the ball outside his frame, as well as good body control to twirl and adjust, making him a real threat in the passing game.) (11-17-22): https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/chase-brown-tuli-tuipulotu-and-other-power-players-nfl-scouts-will-watch-in-week-12
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Week 10 (Up - Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: LaPorta just scored his first touchdown of year last Saturday against Purdue, but despite his lack of scoring, NFL team sources have been impressed with his balanced play. The 6-foot-4, 249-pounder has been an effective receiver and a good blocker. Versus the Boilermakers, LaPorta flashed his receiving skills with three receptions for 71 yards and a score. This season, he has 44 catches for 458 yards and a touchdown. LaPorta could be a good second-day value in the 2023 NFL Draft who turns into a solid NFL starter.) (11-8-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_10.php
4 Tight Ends Lions Could Draft to Replace T.J. Hockenson (Sam LaPorta, Iowa: Hailing from the same college as Hockenson, LaPorta is the latest top tight end prospect to suit up for Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes. Iowa has struggled tremendously offensively throughout the year, with LaPorta pacing the receiving corps in both yards and receptions by a relatively wide margin. The senior does plenty for the offense, lining up at receiver, and inline as an end and H-back. His versatility is coveted, but he’s also solid working as a blocker. In 877 career snaps leading up to Saturday, he’s been penalized just one time. His speed is lacking, as the NFL Draft Bible pens: “Fast-twitch acceleration is not a strong suit, analogous to a mack truck. Struggles to separate against defensive backs that can mirror him with lighter feet and looser hips.”n Despite those concerns, LaPorta still has good footwork. He hovers around the top-five spot on most positional big boards, with poor quarterback play potentially holding him back. A strong finish to the season could be impactful for the talented tight end.) (11-5-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/college-draft-prospects-to-replace-hockenson
3 TEs Lions Fans Should Know About In 2023 NFL Draft (Sam LaPorta: Sam LaPorta led all of Iowa’s receiving targets in production in 2021 with 670 yards and three touchdowns on 53 receptions. Eight games into the 2022 season, LaPorta is doing the same thing as the lone bright spot in a Hawkeyes offense that has struggled to get things going all season. He leads the team with 41 receptions—more than twice the number of catches as the next guy—and 387 receiving yards. He doesn’t have a touchdown yet this season, but he led the team with his three last year, and his lack of scores this year has more to do with the abysmal offense he plays for than a lack of talent. LaPorta can play in-line and as a receiver from the slot and thrives with his good route-running and solid hands, providing consistency to his quarterback when targeted. He’s also got good yards-after-catch potential once he secures the catch and is a competitive blocker when asked to do so.) (11-2-22): https://thedraftnetwork.com/lions-tes-2023-nfl-draft-washington-laporta-stover/
2023 NFL Draft Stock - Week 8 (Up - Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: A few pro team sources really like LaPorta and think he could be a nice value pick in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-3, 250-pound LaPorta is a touch undersized, but he definitely has the ability to contribute as a receiving tight end in the NFL. LaPorta has 21 receptions for 178 yards in 2022. He totaled 53 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns in 2021.) (10-25-22): https://walterfootball.com/draft2023stock_08.php
2023 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 players at every position (Tight ends - 5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa) (8-26-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-top-10-players-at-every-position/
Big Ten 2023 NFL Draft prospects and scouting reports (Sam LaPorta, TE | Grade: 3.88 | Projected Round: 2: Had Sam LaPorta entered the 2022 NFL Draft, he would’ve competed to be the first or second tight end selected. LaPorta decided to bypass the draft and return to Iowa for his senior year. A nice-sized tight end who measures 6’3 1/2″ and tips the scales over 250 pounds, LaPorta will be an early pick in next year’s draft. He plays fast, and although he won’t time under 4.5 seconds, he consistently gets downfield and makes several deep receptions. He plays to his size, comes away with the difficult catch in a crowd, and does a solid job as a blocker. LaPorta presently carries a second-round grade on my board.) ,(8-25-22): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/big-ten-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-scouting-reports/
Ranking the best NFL Draft prospects in the Big Ten (10. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa: LaPorta is not a flashy player but he does everything well enough. There is no need to take him off the field. Although he has average top end speed, LaPorta is able to make catches away from his frame. According to TruMedia, 71.7% of his receptions went for either a first down or touchdown, which ranked No. 26 among all pass catchers with at least 40 receptions. The Illinois native is physical through his routes and does a good job of absorbing contact as a blocker. His target share has increased each year in Iowa City reaching a crescendo of 53 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns last season. ) (8-24-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-the-10-best-prospects-in-the-big-ten-entering-the-regular-season/
PFF 2022 Preseason John Mackey Award Watch List: Most outstanding tight end in college football (The Headliners - MICHAEL MAYER, NOTRE DAME: Mayer enters the 2022 college football season as TE1 on many early draft boards. With the nickname “Baby Gronk,” why shouldn’t he be? Notre Dame’s 6-foot-4, 250-pound junior tight end has been one of the best at his position since his true freshman year. That year, he was tied for first on the team with 42 catches and ranked second on the team in receiving yards (450). Last year, he once again led the team in catches. With back-to-back seasons of heavy volume from Mayer, there’s no reason to expect a lesser result in 2022. His 840 receiving yards last season ranked fourth-most in the FBS. He has the stats, the notoriety and the hype to be in position to win the award) (8-5-22): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-john-mackey-award-watch-list-best-tight-end-2022
PFF 2022 Preseason John Mackey Award Watch List: Most outstanding tight end in college football (Other Favorites - SAM LAPORTA, IOWA: To win a college football award, especially on offense, you need volume. LaPorta has that. Among Big Ten tight ends last year, LaPorta ranked first in catches (53), receiving yards (670), yards after catch (299), yards after contact (206) and catches of 15-plus yards (18). He will once again be a focal point for the Hawkeyes’ passing attack.) (8-5-22): https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-preseason-john-mackey-award-watch-list-best-tight-end-2022
Top 25 Big Ten 2023 NFL Draft prospects: Ohio State's C.J. Stroud, Jaxon Smith-Njigba top the list (15. TE SAM LAPORTA, IOWA: LaPorta is one smooth mover for a 6-foot-4, 249-pound tight end. He does his best work with the ball in his hands and broke 10 tackles on 53 receptions for 670 yards a season ago. He could still stand to get a little stronger and isn’t yet the run blocker that the reputation of Iowa tight ends suggests at the moment. There’s still a ton of raw talent to work with here that NFL evaluators will love. ) (7-26-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-25-big-ten-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-ohio-state-cj-stroud-jaxon-smith-njigba
Top Iowa Hawkeye Prospects to Watch in 2023 NFL Draft (Sam LaPorta, TE: Iowa continues to put out high-level tight-end prospects, and LaPorta is no exception. He is such a safe prospect, similar to Campbell at linebacker. LaPorta is very advanced as a blocker, which will help him get on the field early in his NFL career. As a pass-catcher, LaPorta is solid. He isn't on the level of Noah Fant or T.J. Hockenson as a pass-catcher or athlete, which is why LaPorta isn't a first-round prospect, but he should be drafted by the third round.) (6-17-22): https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/top-iowa-hawkeye-prospects-to-watch-2023-nfl-draft
Early Top-10 2023 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings: Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer takes the top spot (5. SAM LAPORTA, IOWA (SENIOR): LaPorta would have easily been in the mix as a top-five tight end in last year’s class if he declared, but there are legitimate reasons to think he can push his stock considerably higher as a senior. LaPorta is such a smooth mover for a man his size, which we saw down the stretch when LaPorta racked up 245 yards over his final three games. With that kind of natural ability, LaPorta could rank much higher as a prospect if he cleans up a few things. The first issue he needs to clean up is his drops, as he's let eight of 88 catchable slip through his hands the past two seasons. The second is his route-running, where he still doesn’t look skilled enough to run a full route tree. With Kirk Ferentz’s history of developing tight ends, I’d bank on LaPorta looking much improved in 2022.) (6-8-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-early-2023-nfl-draft-tight-end-rankings-michael-mayer-dalton-kincaid
Iowa’s 2023 NFL Draft prospects led by Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell (Sam LaPorta, TE: People tend to gravitate to Iowa tight ends purely because of the talent the school has generated at position in the past. Names like T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant come to mind instantly. Sam LaPorta shouldn’t be lumped into that conversation by default. Nevertheless, he is an exciting 2023 NFL Draft prospect who could carry the torch for Iowa TEs. At 6’4″, 249 pounds, he’s well-sized and athletic. He’s tough and flexible at the catch point, as well as a run-after-catch threat, and he brings the want-to as a blocker.) (June 4, 2022): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/iowas-2023-nfl-draft-prospects-led-by-sam-laporta-jack-campbell/
Tight ends to watch for the 2023 NFL draft (Sam LaPorta, Iowa: Iowa has turned out solid tight end prospects during recent draft cycles, most notably Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson. They could turn out another in 2023, thanks to Sam LaPorta. He was a three-star recruit coming out of Highland High School in Highland, Illinois, where he played wide receiver and defensive back. He made the switch to tight end prior to his freshman season at Iowa, and in 2019 he played in 12 games, catching 15 passes for 188 yards. As a sophomore in 2020, he caught 27 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown. This past season, LaPorta caught 54 passes for 670 yards and three touchdowns, all of which were career-high marks for him. He was named a Third-Team All-Big Ten selection at the end of the year. LaPorta spends the pulk of his time aligned as an in-line option for the Hawkeyes, but still manages to create opportunities in the downfield passing game. On this play against Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl, watch as he separate downfield on a corner route, working against a safety. That kind of route-running will certainly draw attention, not just from opposing defensive coordinators, but NFL scouts as well.) (5-17-22): https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/tight-end-watch-list-2023-nfl-draft/
2023 NFL Draft: Offensive prospects to watch (Sam LaPorta: Mallory and LaPorta have been reliable outlets for their respective programs. Each has great size.) (5-11-22): https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2023-nfl-draft-c-j-stroud-and-bryce-young-among-offensive-prospects-to-watch-in-2022-college-football-season/
2023 NFL Draft Watch List: Offense (Sam LaPorta, Iowa: LaPorta likely could have been a late Day 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft if he declared after a big junior campaign with 53 receptions for 670 yards. He returned to up his stock even more, as the athletic 6-foot-4, 249-pounder has an all-around projectable NFL game.) (5-5-22): https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2023-nfl-draft-watch-list-offense
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