Lions' day two draft pick named as a rookie who could shine in 2023
The Detroit Lions are one of the "it teams" entering the 2023 season. Part of the reason is because of Detroit's strong roster which was improved this offseason via free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. One new addition that could possibly help the Lions in 2023 is a late-round draft pick that was likely […]
The Detroit Lions are one of the "it teams" entering the 2023 season.
Part of the reason is because of Detroit's strong roster which was improved this offseason via free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.
One new addition that could possibly help the Lions in 2023 is a late-round draft pick that was likely an afterthought for most fans on draft night.
Detroit selected Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Earlier this week, CBS Sports named LaPorta as a rookie who could shine this fall.
From CBS Sports: A layup, I know. This one was too easy to pass up. LaPorta's game is predicated on freaky YAC capabilities and, clearly, high-level athletic traits. The George Kittle comparisons are apt. For as fun as the Lions offense was in 2022, the club weirdly traded T.J. Hockenson within the division and had a gaping hole at the position entering the draft. He has strong hands, runs good enough routes and was essentially the heart-and-soul of the Iowa offense in 2022. Without him, the Hawkeyes maybe would've never gotten a first down. In the Ben Johnson coordinated offense, LaPorta will thrive. He was the piece Jared Goff and Co. needed over the middle and down the seam.
LaPorta will certainly have a chance to make a big impact in Detroit this season. His main competition at the tight end position is Brock Wright, a former undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame. Wright has 30 receptions for 333 yards and six touchdowns through his first two seasons in the NFL.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell, by the way, likes what he's seen so far from LaPorta.
“We think he can handle a lot. Mentally, he’s pretty sharp for a rookie," said Campbell recently. "We think this guy, he’ll be able to pick this up pretty quick as he gets reps.”
Producing as a rookie tight end can be tough — it's a complex position with a lot of responsibility — but LaPorta could be the rare rookie tight end that makes an impact in the NFL.
Featured image via Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
