The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and now it’s time for dynasty rookie drafts. Landing spots and draft capital have been determined, and we’re here with your dynasty rookie draft outlooks. Let’s take a look at what Derek Brown expects of Sam LaPorta.
Dynasty Rookie Draft Picks & Predictions: Sam LaPorta
Stats:
- 2022 (minimum 20 targets)
- Yards per route run: 7th
- PFF receiving grade: 6th
- 2021 (minimum 20 targets)
- Yards per route run: 19th
- PFF receiving grade: 20th
- Career
- 78th percentile college dominator
- 64th percentile breakout age
Scouting report:
- LaPorta will make his mark as a receiver in the NFL. Blocking will be a skill he must continue honing in the NFL. If LaPorta hits his ceiling in the NFL, it will be because of his pass-game abilities and not his run-blocking chops.
- LaPorta runs routes like a wide receiver. He’s smooth in and out of his breaks with surprising foot quickness. LaPorta played 20.2% of his snaps as a boundary receiver in 2022. He proved up to the task by leading all FBS tight ends in man-coverage targets. He was also second in PFF receiving grade and third in Yards per route run against man coverage (minimum 10 man-coverage targets). He’s also adept at finding the soft spots in zone coverage.
- He puts some impressive work after the catch on film. His start/stop ability and change-of-direction skills are noticeable. He has good acceleration after the catch with jukes, spin moves, and stiff arms to make a defensive back’s job of getting him to the ground tough. He ranked second in missed tackles forced and third in YAC among tight ends last year.
Player Comp: Evan Engram
Dynasty Outlook: Sammy Ballgame, BABY! Laporta lands in Detroit and should be immediately installed as the Day 1 starter for the Lions. With only Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, James Mitchell, and Derrick Deese behind him on the depth chart, he should have no trouble carving out a full-time role. Laporta will earn his NFL paychecks by catching passes and breaking tackles weekly. In each of the last two seasons, he has ranked inside the top 20 in PFF receiving grade and Yards per route run among FBS tight ends (minimum 20 targets per PFF). Last season Laporta played 20.2% of his snaps as a perimeter receiver. Laporta should be the number three option in the passing game this season, soaking up targets from Jared Goff. He has risen to the ranking of TE2 in this class in my ranks. LaPorta is a borderline first-round pick in Superflex. He’ll be gone inside the top 15 picks in any draft I’m in.
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