Saints May Look to Iowa Draft Pipeline for TE Upgrade

If New Orleans wants to complement Juwan Johnson with a two-way threat at tight end, they may need to look no further than the success this Big 10 program has had at the position.

The University of Iowa has supplied the NFL with some quality tight ends in recent years. George Kittle (5th round in 2017), T.J. Hockenson (1st, 2019), and Noah Fant (1st, 2019) are among the league's best at the position. Dallas Clark was also a former Hawkeye that was a 2003 first-round choice and an outstanding player for nine years in Indianapolis. 

Converted wideout Juwan Johnson had a strong year for the New Orleans Saints at tight end in 2022. With 2020 third-round choice Adam Trautman a disappointment, the Saints could look to the draft for an in-line tight end to complement Johnson. Perhaps they look to the Hawkeye pipeline. 

TE - Sam LaPorta 

Iowa (Sr.)

6'3" 245-Lbs.

Dec 4, 2021; Iowa Hawkeyes tight end Sam LaPorta (84) against the Michigan Wolverines in the Big Ten championship. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY

A wideout and defensive back in high school, LaPorta converted to tight end after signing with Iowa. After 15 catches in limited duty as a freshman, he pulled in a team-high 27 passes for 271 yards in an abbreviated eight-game 2020.

LaPorta would be a vital part of the Hawkeyes attack his next two years, leading the squad in both receptions and receiving yards in 2021 and 2022. He had 53 catches for 670 yards in 2021, then followed that up with 58 receptions for 657 yards last season. He'd finish his Iowa career as the school's all-time receptions leader by a tight end. 

LaPorta showcased his athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine. He'd finish in the top percentile of participating tight ends in the 40 (4.59), 10-yard split (1.59), 3-cone drill (6.91), and broad jump (10'3")

Despite Iowa's conservative attack, LaPorta needs a lot of improvement as a run blocker. He'll need to improve his base and add upper-body strength to move ends and bigger linebackers off the ball. When taking on blocking assignments on the move, he was often guilty of taking poor angles. 

LaPorta will also need to be more physical on contested throws as a receiver. He didn't always extend his arms or use his body to box out coverage, allowing defenders to make a play at the catch point when he's targeted. 

One of the most refined receiving tight ends in this draft, LaPorta is equally effective lined out wide or coming off the line of scrimmage. His route breaks are precise and he's shown the ability to run a variety of patterns. 

LaPorta's speed provides a mismatch for most linebackers, but he also has great awareness in zones and is a student of the game. He disguises his routes well, giving him extra separation at his break. He has extremely reliable hands and is an aggressive runner after the catch. 

Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta (84) runs for extra yards as Ohio State linebacker Steele Chambers (22) and Ohio State cornerback JK Johnson (4) give chase. Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK

A willing blocker with sound technique, LaPorta has a nice upside in that area. His football IQ and improvements over his collegiate career indicate that he's only at the beginning of his potential. 

Sam LaPorta is likely an early Day 3 selection. His limitations as a run blocker could prevent him from being a Day 2 pick and may cut into his snaps early in his career. However, his outstanding receiving ability should make him an immediate option for the passing game and may make him a Number 1 TE with improved blocking power.