The fact that Sam LaPorta's a rookie playing one of the hardest positions in football makes what he’s doing all the more impressive. He’s been everything the Lions have wanted and more.
LaPorta leads all tight ends in receiving yards (186), ranks second in receptions (18) and third in yards after the catch (76). He’s been reliable, as eight of his 18 catches have gone for a first down. Of his 186 receiving yards, 129 have come in zone coverage, where he’s been able to find the soft spots and work in space (56 of his 76 YAC have come versus zone coverage). He’s the first tight end in NFL history to record at least five receptions in each of his first three games. His 18 receptions are the most for a tight end through his first three games, and his 186 yards are the second-most.
The Lions traded down from 6 to 12 in the NFL Draft this past spring. They passed on the likes of Bijan Robinson and selected Jahmyr Gibbs, but used the extra pick to select LaPorta, a player they saw as someone who could step in and replace T.J. Hockenson, who they traded to the Vikings. The story said LaPorta was one of the most game-ready players in the draft. He doesn't seem to be going away any time soon and it's possible he's still on the wire in your league as he's available in about 35% of ESPN leagues as of this news post.
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