Should I Draft Sam LaPorta As A Fantasy Football Starting Tight End?

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was the 34th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. LaPorta had a productive college career.

He had a limited impact as a freshman, totaling 15 receptions on 188 targets in six games. The following year the young tight end had 27 receptions for 271 receiving yards and a touchdown in eight contests. However, LaPorta’s production took off starting in 2021.

That year the former Hawkeye tight end had 53 receptions for 670 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Despite some calling for him to enter the 2022 NFL Draft, LaPorta returned to Iowa. He had 58 receptions for 657 receiving yards and a touchdown last season.

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Should I Draft Sam LaPorta As A Fantasy Football Starting Tight End?

Many considered the former Iowa star a sleeper tight end early during the NFL Draft process. After most believed the former Hawkeye would be a mid-round pick, LaPorta was the second tight end drafted in April. Not only was he an early second-round pick, but the former Iowa star landed in an excellent spot.

The Lions have one proven pass catcher on the roster – Amon-Ra St. Brown. Meanwhile, Detroit got nine receiving touchdowns from their tight ends not named T.J. Hockenson last year. More importantly, Jameson Williams will miss the first six games this season, creating even more opportunities for LaPorta. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many view the rookie as a potential sleeper this year.

What Other Tight Ends Should I Consider Besides Sam LaPorta?

While the former Iowa star is my favorite rookie tight end and late-round sleeper to draft this year, fantasy players should consider other options too. One potential option is Juwan Johnson.

The New Orleans Saints tight end has a similar situation to LaPorta. New Orleans has a young wide receiver on the roster – Chris Olave. Unfortunately, the rest of their receiving core comes with injury concerns or a lack of proven success.

Last year Johnson led the team in receiving touchdowns while finishing top three in targets and receiving yards. More importantly, he had the third-most receiving touchdowns among tight ends last season.

Both tight ends are excellent late-round targets for fantasy players this season. Ideally, fantasy players don’t want either tight end as their only option come Week 1. However, I love the idea of drafting both, with the hope one becomes a fantasy star.

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