Discussion: Where does Sam LaPorta rank among current NFL tight ends?

Discussion: Where does Sam LaPorta rank among current NFL tight ends?

It comes as no surprise that Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta continues to receive high praise from his peers as this year’s Tight End U has now wrapped up. Travis Kelce was the latest to speak highly of the second-year TE, giving him high praise for his Year 1 performance and showing his excitement for what he’ll have in store for Year 2.

The expectations are extremely high for LaPorta heading into his second year after an extremely impressive rookie campaign.

Today’s Question of the Day is…

Where does Sam LaPorta rank among current TEs in the NFL?

My answer: Top three.

At worst, I think LaPorta has solidified himself as one of the five best tight ends in the league, but I’d argue he’s already pretty close to guys like Travis Kelce and George Kittle, who I’d put in the top two spots… for now.

LaPorta has to prove that he can be consistent and continue to put up the type of numbers that he had as a rookie, but I see no reason why he can’t. The trust between him and Jared Goff is only going to grow, and I can see him eclipsing 90 receptions and 1000 yards in 2024, which would almost certainly put him in the discussion of the best TE in the NFL. While LaPorta didn’t put up the yardage that Kelce or Kittle did last year, he managed to haul in 10 touchdowns during his rookie season, which was just one less than Kelce and Kittle combined.

To round out the top five, I would have Mark Andrews and T.J. Hockenson behind LaPorta. Andrews is a proven TE that can put up solid numbers and is also a very good blocker, like Kittle. Hockenson has the numbers to challenge LaPorta, but I think LaPorta is simply better with the ball in his hands and is a much more reliable target. It’s close between those two, but I’m sure the Lions are very happy with how the tight end position played out for them over the past couple of years.

Your turn.