Reaction to Lions Picking Sam LaPorta

Analysts Sound Off on Iowa TE Bound for Detroit

Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta (84) runs after a catch during a game against Northwestern on Oct. 29, 2022 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

It didn’t take long for the first Iowa player to go in Friday’s second night of the NFL draft.

Tight end Sam LaPorta went to the Detroit Lions with the 34th overall pick, the third pick of the second round.

It was a selection that went over well with draft analysts.

Vinnie Iyer of Sporting News gave the LaPorta selection a grade of A, saying, “The Lions go back to the Hawkeyes program to replenish tight end after trading T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings last season LaPorta is a welcome extra intermediate target for Jared Goff.”

Scott Dochterman of The Athletic gave the pick a grade of B+, saying, “LaPorta (6-3 ½, 245) doesn’t possess an elite physical attribute, but his athletic ability, speed and explosiveness compares favorably with his predecessors at Iowa, including NFL starters Noah Fant. T.J. Hockenson and George Kittle. LaPorta’s intensity, toughness and personality are comparable to Kittle. LaPorta is a willing blocker with room for improvement, but he’ll fight. He tore the meniscus in his knee on Nov. 19, had surgery and then returned for a Dec. 31 bowl game.”

NFL.com’s Eric Edhold said, “The Lions lacked a receiving talent at tight end following the trade of T.J. Hockenson last season, but that void is now filled. LaPorta didn't put up big numbers at Iowa because of QB issues, but he absolutely could be the second-best TE receiving threat this year, behind Dalton Kincaid. LaPorta plays with Lions-esque passion, too.”

ESPN’s Eric Woodyard said, “Detroit adds another Iowa Hawkeye to fulfill a big need at tight end as LaPorta joins Campbell in the draft class. LaPorta is Iowa’s all-time leader in receptions for a tight end (153) and ranks second in receiving yards (1,786). The Lions used a committee approach at tight end last season. This move signifies LaPorta could emerge as the Lions' main threat going forward.”

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., said of the pick, “You talk about all the tight ends Iowa has produced, but it's LaPorta who is the career leader in receptions (153). He is outstanding after the catch. Now, unlike most Hawkeyes tight ends, he needs to be more consistent as a blocker, but he has upside in the pass game. I like this selection, which came from Detroit's trade back with Arizona in Round 1.”