The Detroit Lions are going to need their early selections from the 2023 NFL Draft to play large roles on the roster in the upcoming season if they hope to meet their growing expectations.

This team absolutely has the potential to become one of the best teams in the NFC and could make a deep run in the playoffs if everything works out, but those rookies have to be able to step into their roles early to ensure this unit trucks on ahead without any major holes.

One such player that will get a lot of attention during his first year in the NFL is former Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta. LaPorta joins the Lions as one of several Day Two picks with lots of upside, and it stands to reason that LaPorta could break the mold for rookie tight ends if he can do what this front office drafted him to do.

Most tight ends take their time getting used to the speed and aggression of the position at the NFL level. It appears as though LaPorta could go against this common trend if first impressions mean anything.

Sam LaPorta was the best player on the field at Lions rookie minicamp and it wasn’t particularly close. Very impressive day.

— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) May 13, 2023

No, rookie minicamp isn't everything, but LaPorta doing so well during his only opportunity to play so far is a good sign. Fans can call this a stretch all they want, but balling out in your only opportunities is hardly something to scoff at or ignore.

LaPorta has the build and skillset to fit in with this Lions offense almost immediately if the team uses him and his abilities after the catch to make the most of every tough.

It may be a lot to assume the Lions have finally hit on a young tight end that they selected earlier than consensus, but perhaps everything is going right for Detroit in more ways than one if these early reports are anything to believe.