2nd Round, Pick 34: Lions Select Iowa TE Sam LaPorta

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Definitely looks like they knew other teams were going after TEs early.

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Also looks like the rumors about Darnell Washingtonā€™s medical were true.

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Sam LaPorta is a human TANK! LaPorta posted a 4.59 40-Yard Dash and a 6.91 3-Cone time at the NFL Combine earlier this week. Donā€™t sleep on the Iowa TE.

A dynamic threat who would fit seamlessly, LaPorta is a Kittle-like athlete who can make defenders miss tackles and run routes on all levels of the field. Heā€™s also a capable blocker,

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team america vomit GIF

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I Cant Kill Me GIF

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also, it was great how they went straight to commercial

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I Guess If You Say So GIF

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No one is crazy about another TE but the Lions are clearly sticking to their board and they are finishing positions.

RB looks great now and I keep Swift.
LBer looks great now too with Jack Campbell.
TE looks solid now as well.

I donā€™t love the value but I like the picks and the impact on position groups.

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Riley moss is next then Kavon Mayweather

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Goff, Gibbs, Jamo, LaPorta, Melifonwu

For Stafford and No. 66 overall

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Iā€™m
Unsure on value since the value is in finding a good player. Rookie contracts keep pay rate reasonable to cheap if you get an impact player.

Lions have added players that have pathways to contributing immediately

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32

Grade Analysis = A

YAC monster, big-time athlete, strong hands. Gave me George Kittle vibes. Easy fit into the vacancy created by T.J. Hockenson trade. (Chris Trapasso)

Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 85.20 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Foster Moreau

Accolades:

  • 2022: First-team All-Big Ten

  • 2022: Most receptions by tight end in Iowa history (153)

Summary:

Sam LaPorta is a do-everything, sneaky YAC monster at the TE spot. He lacks elite measurables or athleticism but has good wiggle, power and contact balance. Burst is good, not great, but heā€™s not a stiff athlete, and he ran plenty of routes in college, so he understands what it takes to get open. He battles through initial contact off the line. Heā€™s not a ridiculous, contested-catch type. Speed is solid but unspectacular. Plenty of blocking experience and holds his own in that regard. Heā€™s an underrated TE prospect with strengths that bode well for what is asked of TEs today.

Strengths:

  • YAC specialist, contact balance, cutting skills are impressive
  • Gets the most out of his athleticism
  • Ran plenty of routes in college
  • Holds his own as a blocker

Weaknesses:

  • Doesnā€™t have amazing athletic gifts
  • Not going to win 50-50 balls on a consistent basis

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.59 seconds
  • Vertical: 35 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 3 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 6.91 seconds
  • Shuttle Run: 4.25 seconds
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33

I really like the pick. High character guy, team captain, good hands for a TE.

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Lol did you have this queā€™d up because you knew it was coming? I could feel it coming in my gut today.

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Beast of an athlete. Speed.

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And we gave up 81 this year and get whosever Iā€™d pick 168 (or whatever it is)

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FAKE NEWS

We canā€™t draft a TE ā€¦our TE room is SET NO ROOM ON THE ROSTER

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I was never a fan of losing Hockenson. We really like a TE to count on - as does Goff. Someone midrange to target beyond St Brown. I wonder if Campbell - a former TE who could block - was unhappy with Dalton Kincaid as a blocker . Just speculating. So LaPorta may provide more full service. As would Mayer. Iā€™d leave to you folks as to whom is preferable.

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We gave up Bijan for him so I hope he has an amazing career.

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Trying to have faith in lions but i hope this lion dan cambell guys dont bite them in the a%%

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