After an impressive rookie campaign in 2023, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta looks primed to take the torch as the league's best at the position in the years ahead.
LaPorta, who was drafted in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, tallied 889 receiving yards and 10 scores in his first season. His yardage output was the fourth-best in league history among rookie tight ends, and his touchdowns ranked second.
Someone who definitely took notice of LaPorta's season is Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce, who has been the best at the position for years now.
First, Kelce heaped praise on LaPorta when asked who he thought was the best tight end at Tight End University earlier this month.
“LaPorta had a [expletive] year, dude” Kelce said to Bussin' With The Boys. "I’m pumped on seeing where he goes his second year because his first year, he killed it.”
Then, Kelce said this while appearing on Bussin' With The Boys:
“Dude, LaPorta is a [expletive] stud. LaPorta is nasty,” Kelce said. “Those Iowa guys. They’re all here. They’ve got it figured it out.”
While LaPorta's yardage from 2023 is fantastic for a tight end — and especially for a rookie tight end — he can propel himself to another level in 2024 if he can break 1,000 yards, something he's very capable of doing.
