Training Camp Preview: Will Lions TE Sam LaPorta Become Unstoppable?

Could rookie Sam LaPorta be Lions' next star tight end?

The Detroit Lions tight end room has plenty of potential but little proven production. 

Its most experienced member has played just two NFL seasons. However, there's still excitement surrounding what 2023 could have in store for the players at the position. 

Coach Dan Campbell played nine seasons as an NFL tight end. Now, he's tasked with identifying the best option at the position to help his team reach its peak in 2023. 

Reason for hope

After T.J. Hockenson was traded at the 2022 deadline, the trio of Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra emerged as reliable targets. 

Wright let the way with 18 receptions, most notably a 51-yard catch in the late stages of a comeback win over the New York Jets late in the season. 

He's the most experienced of the group and will be leaned on to use his strengths as a run blocker. 

Detroit addressed this position early in the draft, taking Iowa's Sam LaPorta in the second round. He was a major bright spot in his school's otherwise lackluster offense, notching 657 yards in his final campaign. 

The latest in a long line of productive tight ends from his alma mater, there's belief that the rookie will be an impact player right away. 

He fed into the hype with a strong performance in rookie minicamp and OTAs, but training camp will offer his biggest test.

If he follows in the footsteps of fellow former Hawkeyes such as Hockenson, George Kittle and Noah Fant, he'll be very productive. 

First-year tight ends coach Steve Heiden has another intriguing player in Mitchell. Last season, as a rookie, he caught just 11 passes. His role was limited after he spent most of the offseason rehabbing a torn ACL suffered in college. 

With a full slate of workouts in 2023, he should be primed for a bigger role. He's a good athlete and totaled 800 receiving yards across three collegiate seasons. 

Zylstra will also compete for a roster spot after making an impact last year. He had a three-score game against Carolina and was taking reps both at end and wide receiver during the summer regimen.

The Lions don't have a bright star at the position currently, but they have players who offer plenty of intrigue and potential.

Training camp battle

The starting spot will be up for grabs. Detroit's power-run scheme often calls for two tight ends, so there will be plenty of opportunities for multiple bodies to be on the field. 

Who runs away with the position remains to be seen. Wright's body of work and abilities as a blocker make him the favorite, but LaPorta is billed as the best receiver of the bunch.

If the rookie can demonstrate a willingness and aptitude for blocking, he'll be hard to keep off the field. 

Mitchell gets his first full opportunity to make an impression and has a chance to elevate his role from last year. Again, it will come down to his physicality. 

The Lions lean on play-action concepts in their passing game. As a result, the winner of this position battle will be tasked with being a key piece in the offense.