New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: TE Sam LaPorta

Let's take a look into the deep tight end class at Iowa's Sam LaPorta.

Sam LaPorta, TE

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 245 lbs.
Class: Fourth-Year Senior
School: Iowa

Sam LaPorta was a low-ranked wide receiver out of Highland, Illinois, who was incredibly productive in high school with 50 receiving touchdowns and 3,793 receiving yards -- good for second and third, respectively, all-time in Illinois high school history. LaPorta only received offers from three FBS universities, with Iowa being the only Power Five university to offer.

Notables

LaPorta moved to tight end immediately following his arrival to the Hawkeyes program. Had the quarterback with the worst rating in college football as his starter, hindering production.

Strengths

• Versatility to work in-line, in the slot, and out wide
• Does a great job of varying tempo as a route runner
• Has more after-the-catch ability than most tight ends, including a phenomenal stiff arm
• Eats up space on DBs before making his break 
• Relentless effort as a blocker, constantly looking to engage with defenders
• Had one of his best games against man-heavy Illinois in 2022

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Weaknesses

• Has struggled with drops throughout his career, but his technique has improved in that area
• Needs to add strength to be a reliable blocker on the inside
• Still getting comfortable finding and sitting in soft spots in zones
• Doesn’t get his hands inside on defenders consistently enough

Summary

LaPorta has climbed up draft boards as another Iowa Hawkeyes tight end held back by a horrible offensive system and even worse quarterback play. In the NFL, LaPorta can instantly become a contributor best used as a pass-catcher mostly used as a blocker against smaller defenders.

GRADE: 6.35

Nick Falato

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