Lions' 2023 Review: Sam LaPorta Enjoys Elite Rookie Campaign

LaPorta's first NFL campaign was historic.

When the Detroit Lions selected Sam LaPorta with their first second-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, the choice was a bit perplexing. 

Michael Mayer, who many believed to be the best prospect at the position in the class, was still on the board. However, it was later discovered that the Lions felt as though LaPorta was one of the best players in the group, not just at his position. 

The decision was a stroke of genius for general manager Brad Holmes. LaPorta responded with 86 catches, 889 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first NFL regular season. 

Here's a look at where the Lions stand at the tight end position heading into the offseason.

Reason for hope

LaPorta proved to be an exceptional pick by Holmes in the second round, posting a record-breaking season. He set a new league-best mark for receptions by a rookie tight end, surpassing Keith Jackson's previous high set in 1988. 

The Iowa product also came close to the marks for most receiving touchdowns and receiving yards by a rookie tight end. Though he came up short on both, his rookie campaign will be remembered as a historic one. 

He appeared to be ahead of the curve as an in-line blocker, in addition to all of his receiving skills. LaPorta had a number of key blocks, and finished with a Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade of 53.9. 

While that number is not eye-popping, he showed that he can handle the variety of responsibilities assigned to him by Campbell and tight ends coach Steve Heiden, while still managing to be a huge threat in the passing game. 

LaPorta was a true safety blanket for Goff, as he was seemingly always open at opportune times. 

Heading into his second season, the Iowa product is already viewed as one of the premier players at the position. Another big year is expected to be in store. 

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Reason for worry

The Lions didn't get much receiving production from the other options at the position, and their depth will be up in the air going forward. Brock Wright, Anthony Firkser and Shane Zylstra are all free agents, while James Mitchell had just two catches this season. 

LaPorta's production is impossible to match regardless, but the Lions don't have a reliable second option in the event that he'd have to miss time.

He fortunately avoided severe injury in the regular season finale when he had a hyperextended knee, but the consensus opinion was that the Lions' offense would've suffered greatly had he not been available. 

Wright seems to be a favored player within the organization, and he does have a knack for showing up in opportune situations. Mitchell, meanwhile, is billed as an athlete with potential, but hasn't gotten many opportunities to show it. 

If Detroit looks to address this area in the draft for a second consecutive season, Colorado State's Dallin Holker and Ohio State's Cade Stover are mid-round prospects who could help fill a need for depth.

Biggest question

What is LaPorta's ultimate ceiling? It's worth pondering just how high the rookie can rise, if he continues to perform as he did in his first campaign. He won't be a surprise anymore, as NFC North rivals will spend the offseason devising ways to slow him down. 

However, everything he showed as a rookie points to this success being sustainable. A 1,000-yard season is not out of the realm of possibility, and his ability to contribute as a blocker makes him a two-dimensional threat who the Lions won't have to worry about taking off the field. 

He earned second-team All-Pro honors as a rookie, so he's already building a reputation throughout the league. Yet, LaPorta's best is likely still yet to come. 

A prime example of what a top tight end can do for a team will be on display at this year's Super Bowl. George Kittle and Travis Kelce are widely viewed as the two best at their position in the league, and they are huge reasons why their respective teams are in the Super Bowl. 

If LaPorta can continue rising and being a major factor in the offense, it's not hard to see him having a similar impact on a Detroit Lions postseason run in the near future.

Free agents

• TE Anthony Firkser (Unrestricted free agent)
• TE Brock Wright (Restricted free agent)
• TE Shane Zylstra (Exclusive rights free agent)