Travis Kelce: Sam LaPorta Best Tight End at TEU

Travis Kelce praises Lions tight end Sam LaPorta.
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta is expected to have a significant role in Ben Johnson's offense this upcoming NFL season.

With a record-breaking rookie season, the 2023 Detroit second-round pick has caught the attention of others across the league, including future Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce.

At the recently completed 'Tight End University' camp, hosted by Kelce and George Kittle, the Chiefs standout tight end was asked his opinion of who was the best attendee.

"LaPorta had a (expletive) year last year," Kelce expressed, while praising the Lions offensive weapon and stamping the 23-year-old as the best player he saw during the three-day camp.

Not giving away tells

After a successful rookie season, the former Iowa Hawkeyes tight end is working on his blocking technique and not giving away tells when running routes.

While fans, the media and pundits are expecting an encore performance, LaPorta is not putting any undue pressure on himself. Instead, the focus is on making improvements with grasping the details of the position.

“Certainly the blocking aspect. I’m trying to throw my hands, play a little bit lower in the run game," LaPorta said. "And then, in the receiving game, trying not to give so many tells in my routes, crossing over, late hands catching the ball. Just a few things.”

Additional reading

1.) Fact or Fiction: Lions LB Jack Campbell Did Not Have Good Rookie Season

2.) Lions Value 'Veteran Presence' of QB Nate Sudfeld

3.) Mina Kimes: Jameson Williams Can Be 'The Answer' for Offense

4.) Kevin Zeitler Film Review: Experienced Guard Helps Lions' Run Game


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John Maakaron

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!