Sam LaPorta

Iowa TE

Games Watched: Purdue (2021), Michigan, Ohio State

Summary: Sam LaPorta is a pretty well rounded player but nothing he does or doesn’t do well jumps off the page. He has the average tight end build and he moves well for his size. He runs good routes and can occasionally do some damage after the catch. As a blocker he plays with great technique, but it’s his lack of functional strength that seemingly limits his blocking ability. He’s not quite amazing at any one trait which lowers his ceiling as a player. 

Pros

  • Good route runner
  • Has the speed to pick up yards after the catch
  • Blocks with phenomenal hand placement and technique
  • Gets good drive from the lower half of his body
  • High effort player

Cons

  • Easily stifled by defenders getting their hands on him mid route
  • Doesn’t have the natural strength to easily move defenders when blocking
  • Not elite in any one trait

Grade: Sam LaPorta gets an early 3rd round grade. He may not offer much upside but any team drafting him will get a solid tight end.