2023 NFL Draft Profile: Tight End Sam LaPorta

Our series looking at some of the top prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft continues as we profile Iowa tight end Sam Laporta.

As we enter the month of April, we step closer to the next big NFL event — the 2023 NFL Draft. Many teams are preparing their boards hoping to find prospects who could either help them turn their fortunes around or help them continue their winning ways.

In preparation for the draft, we here at Full Press Coverage are profiling some of the top prospects in the class. Next up is Iowa tight end Sam Laporta.

Laporta was Iowa’s best offensive weapon in the past two seasons. He recorded 111 catches for 1,327 yards and 4 touchdowns for an offense that struggled. The number of catches and his average per catch (11.95 yards per catch) were even more impressive given the fact that Iowa had no other real target.

In 2022, the Hawkeyes ranked 123rd out of 131 teams. In 2021, they ranked 99th.

Strengths

The 6-foot-3, 245-pound Laporta was the Swiss Army knife for the Hawkeyes. In addition to being a tight end, he was used as an offensive lineman, blocking on both run and pass plays. He also split out on the slot and outside as a wide receiver. There were times he moved to the backfield and played the fullback role. Additionally, he played a decoy to open up space for his teammates.

Since he was a do-it-all player in Iowa, Laporte is a tough, physical player. He can mix it up with anyone. However, he still needs to improve his catching ability when contested. While he positions his body well to keep the defender away from the ball, if the defender gets position he can affect the catch. He will, though, make the catches you need to move the chains.

Despite not having the speed to break out big runs after the catch, his size and athleticism create mismatches against linebackers. He is difficult to take down so he can break tackles and gain big yards that way.

While Laporta does not have top-end speed, he has enough to threaten the defense. That is more evident when the defense has to cover other speedy receivers. That leaves Laporta with more space. He then surprises the defense with his quickness.

Areas for improvement

As I mentioned, Laporte has to work on catching the ball on contested throws. He doesn’t have the speed to create separation so he will find himself in many contested situations. He needs to improve his ability to make the contested catch.

Additionally, while Laporte has improved his blocking skills, he still needs to work on his technique. He is a willing blocker and has the strength to be an excellent one but he just needs to improve his hand placement and become a top-notch blocker.

Projection

To start out his career, Laporte would be a very good backup tight end. He will add depth to the unit. He will eventually develop into a starter, however. He has the athleticism, physicality, and IQ to learn quickly.

Also, he has the ability to line up all over the field. He can line up at the normal tight end spot, move over to the slot or even the outside, as well as line up in the backfield. The ability to give the coach flexibility will be invaluable to whatever team drafts him. He likely goes in the middle to late third round and could be a steal.