I was against Sam LaPorta as the TE1 in 2024 and I felt justified by the results. The Lions tight end finished 17 weeks as the TE7 and the TE8 overall in points per game (9.3). His expected fantasy points per game ranked outside the top 12 TEs (9.5) as he wasn't the focal point in the offense many of his backers projected him to be. The lesson to be learned here? Don't draft a tight end as the TE1 if they aren't even the No. 1 on target on their own team.
LaPorta did finish the season on a high note in the second half as he benefitted from the absences of Jameson Williams and David Montgomery. From Week 8 through the divisional round, LaPorta's production was back to his rookie year - north of 11 points per game.
The third-year tight end's fantasy ceiling remains capped in a crowded Lions offense while others stay healthy, and the loss of OC Ben Johnson is also a concern. However, his draft price is much more palatable than in 2024.