Sam LaPorta, a Cheap TE with Tremendous Upside (Fantasy Football)
Sam LaPorta
Iowa
Tight End
6’4, 249lbs
2022 Stats: REC 58
YDS 657
TD 1
AVG 11.3
Pros
His athleticism propels him past defenders, and his route running and ability to find space allows him to make plays and move the chains.
He understands and studies the playbook like a QB, making him very coachable.
For his frame he is fairly speedy and tougher to take down in the open field.
Cons
His blocking is lacking. On the line and in edge rushing he needs to be finer tuned.
He will not be utilized well in a run 1st offense.
Summary
Hailing from Iowa where big tight ends from Kittle to Hockenson have graduated, LaPorta finished his college career with more yards then any of the TEs before him. He was awarded the Big 10 TE of the Year by the league and Offensive MVP by his teammates. His senior year, he had 58 receptions for 657 yards and led the team in receptions averaging 11.3 YAC.
He is a QB’s dream because he stretches the field and finds the open routes. Think of Mike Gesicki here as a comparison. Before Hill joined the Dolphins, it was Gesicki taking pressure off the QB in the short pass game if the ball couldn’t get down field to Waddle. Gesicki and LaPorta both have great hands, speed, and pass-catching ability but even Gesicki had blocking issues in the beginning. I could see him being a sneaky dynasty grab as other look to the bigger rookie TEs.
I say sneaky because Washington, Mayer, and Kincaid are still the ones being talked about more. With the right team, his leadership, and skills, he could easily be a starter sometime this season.
2023 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection: Mid-Late 3rd Dynasty TE premium
Ideal Role: Patriots or Carolina who have history of bigger pass-catching TEs.
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Player Comp: Mike Gesicki
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