Sam LaPorta cracks NFL Top 100 players of 2024: Can Lions TE rise higher in Year 2?
The Detroit Lions struck gold with the selection of Sam LaPorta with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. As one of the top offensive rookies in the NFL in 2023, the highly productive tight end not only helped the team rise to the top of the NFC North but has already established himself as one of the top 100 players in the league.
LaPorta entered the league as a high-volume target and proved just that in his rookie season as Jared Goff looked his way and connected for 86 receptions. In a Lions offense that showcased versatility, LaPorta displayed the type of tight end play that already has him in the conversation as one of the best in the league. His No. 80 ranking in on the NFL.com “Top 100 Players of 2024” list proves just that.
In supporting LaPorta’s place on the list, NFL.com Digital Content Producer Christian Gonzales writes:
“It took only one season for LaPorta to earn his first Pro Bowl nod and be named in the Top 100 list. He emerged as a solid foundation piece for the Lions. With his 86 receptions during the regular season, LaPorta set the tight end rookie record for most catches in a season. He was also the only tight end with 80-plus catches, 800-plus receiving yards and seven-plus touchdowns, per NFL Research.”
Sam LaPorta out to prove rookie year was no fluke
LaPorta will have a lot to live up to in his sophomore season. As a player who teams will now gameplan for, can the second-year tight end take his game to another level? That will be the challenge for LaPorta as it will be for the entire team as the Lions will have a target on their back in the NFC North, especially in reaching the NFC Championship Game.
In coming off a successful rookie season, LaPorta knows he can’t get content. To avoid a possible sophomore slump, the Pro Bowl tight end knows he will need to continue to thrive and get better as one of the more important players on offense.
“I know what it takes to compete and really thrive at this level,” LaPorta said in regards to avoiding a sophomore slump. “I’ve been there, I’ve done it, I know what it takes, and we have guys around the building I can really lean on that have had success in the past.”
Some of those players include his quarterback and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown who are equally important in the Lions’ offense in the 2024 NFL season. With more experience and picking the brain of the veterans on the team, LaPorta has the support around him and motivation to be even better in Year 2.
Next. Buffalo Bills TE Dalton Kincaid primed to breakout as one of the elite in Year 2. Buffalo Bills TE Dalton Kincaid primed to breakout as one of the elite in Year 2. dark
That is a scary thought for teams facing the Lions’ offense this upcoming season.