George Kittle: Sam LaPorta Will Make 'Big Plays' Rookie Season

Lions' Sam LaPorta received praise from one of the league's top tight ends.

The Detroit Lions are hoping two young tight ends will significantly aid their offense. 

Sam LaPorta and James Mitchell will be tasked with becoming reliable passing targets and blockers in an offense that is seeking to build upon its success last season. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes recently told SiriusXM that LaPorta was targeted by the front office and scouting department early in the pre-draft process. 

"LaPorta was another one that was identified early in the process. And to be able to add that element of big skill, but also be able to still do enough in the run game --  here in this building, the tight end position, it's held in high regard," said Holmes. "So, it's Dan (Campbell) and then we got in Steve Heiden, who's a hell of a tight ends coach. And then Ben Johnson being a former tight ends coach, that's not an easy test to pass." 

One of the league's best tight ends, George Kittle, believes LaPorta will be contributing to the Lions' offense by making big plays. 

"Just watching him work out, the way he moves, he's got a great forward lean, great burst out of his breaks, great hands and he's eager, too," said Kittle, via The Athletic. "Sam's gonna be just fine. He's gonna make some big plays this year."

Detroit's newest tight end will have his first opportunity to match up against veteran defenders on the roster at OTAs, which are scheduled to take place this week at the Lions' Allen Park practice facility. 

Former Iowa TE George Kittle on fellow former Iowa TE Sam LaPorta:
"Just watching him work out, the way he moves, he's got a great forward lean, great burst out of his breaks, great hands and he's eager, too. Sam's gonna be just fine. He's gonna make some big plays this year." pic.twitter.com/aM7Zvyz695

— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) May 22, 2023