2024 RTSports Outlook

LaPorta has a monster rookie season. He not only was the best rookie tight end but the top overall scoring fantasy tight end, finishing ahead of Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Evan Engram. LaPorta has 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was targeted 120 times. LaPorta had double-digit fantasy points 10 of 17 games, including three games with 20-plus points. He had double-digit targets four times. He is going to be a top target in the Lions offense for years to come. LaPorta catches the ball well and is a volume tight end, racking up the catches on a weekly basis. He is a good route runner and willing blocker. He also will make plays after the catch, breaking nine tackles last year. LaPorta did drop five passes last year, so there is room for improvement.

FANTASY OUTLOOK: LaPorta should challenge for the No. 1 overall tight end spot once again. He is going to get a ton of targets in this offense. It would not surprise if he pushes for 100 receptions. He can get around 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns as well. He won't be around long come draft day.

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RotoBaller's Outlook

Sam LaPorta's exceptional rookie season fueled his historic entrance into the NFL, while also creating an impactful shift within the tight end landscape. Detroit's selection of LaPorta during Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft (34th overall) infused him into a favorable environment, as he was positioned to secure significant playing time and extensive targeting as the Lions' primary tight end. LaPorta capitalized by providing Detroit with a prolific and reliable presence at his position. LaPorta established a new NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end (86/5.1 per game). His league-high 10 touchdowns also made him the third rookie tight end to attain a double-digit touchdown total. LaPorta also finished second among all tight ends in targets per route run (26.6%), and was fourth in air yards (826), fourth in red zone targets (16), fifth in receiving yards (889/52.3 per game), sixth in yards per route run (1.97), and eighth in yards after catch (364). LaPorta also paced all tight ends in contested catches (13), according to PFF. LaPorta also finished as a TE1 in 11 of his matchups, which propelled him to third with an average of 14.1 points per game from Weeks 1-18. He also tied for second in fantasy points per route run (0.52) according to Fantasy Points Data. LaPorta is primed to retain his integral role in Detroit's potent offense and should be the first tight end selected during Round 3 in dynasty startup drafts, and best-ball leagues.

Sam LaPorta's exceptional rookie season fueled his historic entrance into the NFL, while also creating an impactful shift within the tight end landscape. Detroit's selection of LaPorta during Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft (34th overall) infused him into a favorable environment, as he was positioned to secure significant playing time and extensive targeting as the Lions' primary tight end. LaPorta capitalized by providing Detroit with a prolific and reliable presence at his position. LaPorta established a new NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end (86/5.1 per game). His league-high 10 touchdowns also made him the third rookie tight end to attain a double-digit touchdown total. LaPorta also finished second among all tight ends in targets per route run (26.6%), and was fourth in air yards (826), fourth in red zone targets (16), fifth in receiving yards (889/52.3 per game), sixth in yards per route run (1.97), and eighth in yards after catch (364). LaPorta also paced all tight ends in contested catches (13), according to PFF. LaPorta also finished as a TE1 in 11 of his matchups, which propelled him to third with an average of 14.1 points per game from Weeks 1-18. He also tied for second in fantasy points per route run (0.52) according to Fantasy Points Data. LaPorta is primed to retain his integral role in Detroit's potent offense and should be the first tight end selected during Round 3 in dynasty startup drafts, and best-ball leagues.