Sam LaPorta NFL Draft Prospect Profile and Scouting Report

Name: Sam LaPorta

School: Iowa

Year: Senior’

Position: Tight End

Measurables: 6’3”, 245 lb

Combine:

40-yd dash: 4.59

10-yd split: 1.59

Vertical: 35”

Broad jump: 10’3”

Three-cone: 6.91

20-yd shuttle: 4.25

Bench: DNP

 

Stats:

Courtesy of sports-reference.com

 

General Info:

LaPorta grew up in Highland, Illinois and chose to attend the University of Iowa over two other schools (Bowling Green, Central Michigan). LaPorta was a three-star recruit and was recruited as a wide receiver. Ranks second in Illinois high school history in receiving touchdowns (50) and receiving yards (3,793).

After two starts as a freshman, LaPorta started five games in the COVID-shortened 2020 season as a sophomore and led the Hawkeyes with 27 receptions and was second with 271 receiving yards. Was honorable mention all-Big 10.

LaPorta started 14 games in 2021 and led an inept Hawkeye offense with 53 receptions and 671 yards as a junior. He had three touchdowns and was named third team all-Big 10.  

LaPorta led the Hawkeyes in receiving in 2022 for a third consecutive season as a senior, tallying 58 receptions for 657 yards. He scored one touchdown. Named first team all-Big 10 as a tight end, and was awarded Kwalick-Clark tight end of the year, given annually to the best tight end in the Big 10.

LaPorta was the leading receiver the last three seasons for the Hawkeyes. Played in Iowa’s bowl game instead of opting out for draft preparation. Turned 22 in January.

 

Positional Skills:

Strengths

Although LaPorta isn’t an elite prospect, he is very good in multiple facets of the position, making him one of the more versatile tight ends available in the draft. He is highly athletic, ranking third amongst tight ends at the combine in testing numbers. His 4.59 40-yard dash matches his play speed. Rated with a 9.26 RAS score.

LaPorta had great production while playing in an inept offense while at Iowa. LaPorta led the Hawkeyes in receiving three consecutive seasons. His production while playing behind a poor offensive line and sub-par quarterback play in 2022 displays the potential he could have with a competent quarterback and offensive line.

LaPorta started to develop an expansive route tree as a senior. Is highly versatile as a receiver, with above average ability as an in-line or move tight end. Lined up wide or in the slot on 50% of his snaps in 2022, his highest usage rate in his career. Was rated 85.4 as a receiver by PFF in 2022, the highest mark of his career and sixth-best among FBS tight ends with a minimum 20 targets. Is a big bodied tight end and is a mismatch against smaller linebackers or defensive backs when lined out wide. Routinely fools defenders with sharp cuts in his breaks, and showed speed to outrun linebackers in coverage.

Wins against man coverage and has a knack for finding the soft spot against zone. Uses hands well to gain separation against man. Led draft eligible tight ends with a minimum 20 targets with 313 yards against man coverage, resulting in a 90.6 PFF rating (second-highest).  Is a natural chain mover. 32 of his 58 catches resulted in first downs. Is great after the catch, evidenced by his 20 forced missed tackles, the most by any draft eligible tight end. Had the second-most yards after catch by a tight end (368).

LaPorta played in a run-heavy offense and was routinely tasked with blocking. Is a serviceable blocker at the point-of-attack. Engages smaller defenders and drives them backwards. Displays average football IQ in the run game when blocking in-line. Has room to improve with NFL coaching.

 

Weaknesses

LaPorta had an issue with drops over his college career, with 14 over the last three seasons. His six drops in 2022 tied for third-most out of all FBS tight ends with a minimum 20 targets, and he was ranked 124th out of 146 FBS tight ends with a 75.6 NFL passer rating when targeted. 

LaPorta displayed great hands on contested catches he secured, but needs work on body positioning on other contested catches. Had 16 contested targets and just six receptions on those targets. Oftentimes was late getting his hands ready for contested catches.

Although LaPorta was serviceable while run blocking on the line, he showed a tendency to whiff while blocking in space. Needs to work on his blocking angles in space. Looked good against smaller linebackers, but could get burned by quicker, bigger edge rushers. Will need coaching and technique work in the NFL.

Played in an inept offense at Iowa and his production–although solid–could have been better. Would be easier to form a better opinion on LaPorta with more film had he played in a pass heavy offense. Is a bit of an unknown at this point.

 

Fit with the Packers:

The Packers have a glaring need at tight end. With Robert Tonyan signing with the Bears and Marcedes Lewis currently a free agent, the Packers return Josiah Deguara and Tyler Davis from last year’s group. If Lewis plays elsewhere or retires in 2023, the Packers lose 78% of their receptions from last season. Lewis only tallied six catches, while Deguara and Davis combined for only 17 receptions in 2022. Practice squad players Nick Guggemos and Austin Allen are the other two tight ends currently on the roster.

Laporta is a bigger, more athletic version of current Packer tight end Josiah Deguara. LaPorta would benefit coming in as a mid-round option for the Packers and not have to be “the guy” in his first year. Even with a glaring need at tight end, LaPorta could play alongside Deguara and provide value in his first season as a safety net for likely starting quarterback Jordan Love. The Packers could also opt to bring in a low-tier veteran to bridge the gap.

LaPorta oozes with athleticism, and displayed his ability to be productive while oftentimes the only option in a bad offense at Iowa. Teams knew the ball was coming his way, and he still put up very solid numbers. He could thrive as a weapon in Green Bay’s offense where he wouldn’t have to be the only option.

I’m not going to say he’s the next George Kittle, but LaPorta’s combine testing numbers and size match up nearly identically with the former Iowa and current 49er tight end. Kittle fell to the fifth round of the draft and was a massive steal, plagued by underusage while at Iowa. LaPorta had much better production at Iowa (Laporta had 153 career receptions, Kittle had 43) than Kittle. LaPorta could follow a similar NFL career path as Kittle.

With NFL level coaching, LaPorta could be a late-second or early third day steal in what is shaping up to be a very solid and deep class of tight ends.

 

3 points
 

Comments (37)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
stockholder's picture

March 19, 2023 at 01:24 pm

He isn't a great Athlete!
When you keep splitting hairs.
The Te class is a mixed bag of
Tricks. With No treat.

-8 points
2
10
PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 19, 2023 at 01:53 pm

"Isn't a great athlete?!" This class's top TE RAS scores:

Zack Kuntz — Old Dominion — 10.00
Luke Musgrave — Oregon State — 9.95
Darnell Washington — Georgia — 9.85
Luke Schoonmaker — Michigan — 9.75
Tucker Kraft — South Dakota State — 9.58
Sam LaPorta — Iowa — 9.26 :
40-yard dash: 4.59 - 3rd at position
10-yard split: 1.59 - T- 3rd
Vertical leap: 35 inches - 6th
Broad jump: 10-feet, 3 inches - 5th

ANYTHING over a 9.0 IS a "great athlete."

10 points
10
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stockholder's picture

March 19, 2023 at 02:25 pm

Not if you watch his tape.
He's awkward.

-7 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 19, 2023 at 02:37 pm

No idea where you get that. I've watched plenty of his tape.
He was constantly having to make adjustments to poor passes, so yes, he often ended up falling forward or backwards to make a catch, but it wasn't because he was awkward.

5 points
5
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stockholder's picture

March 19, 2023 at 02:45 pm

The word great just doesn't fit.

-6 points
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7
PhantomII's picture

March 19, 2023 at 06:17 pm

I thought your first comment was bad...Yet, here is another. LOL

0 points
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dobber's picture

March 20, 2023 at 05:10 am

...about like these conversations?

2 points
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Since'75's picture

March 19, 2023 at 03:55 pm

Yea!!
A tight end with a high RAS score, lets see...
Drafted in the...3rd round?

What could go wrong? 🤔

2 points
4
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stockholder's picture

March 19, 2023 at 07:12 pm

LOL. The Fab 5-
Burks? Sterberger? Deguara ?
Amari Rodgers? Sean Ryan?

2 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

March 19, 2023 at 08:04 pm

I sincerely hope we use our 3rd round pick to trade up or trade down...and that we DON'T receive any 3rd round picks from the NY Jets for Rodgers. If anything we'll give them ours to help them feel more comfortable about parting with pick 13

1 points
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Since'75's picture

March 21, 2023 at 09:22 am

FTW!!

0 points
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dobber's picture

March 19, 2023 at 04:02 pm

His RAS as a TE is held down because of his size grade.

2 points
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Since'75's picture

March 25, 2023 at 11:25 am

Here's the thing about players with high RAS scores. It doesn't make them a football player.

Take a track guy who scores off the charts at the combine and blows everyones skirt up, that doesn't make him a football player.
We've seen it plenty of times.

Didn't Jeff Janis have a ridiculously high RAS score of 9.94?
That might buy him a Tire and Oil Change joint, but that's about it.

0 points
0
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KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 19, 2023 at 01:38 pm

LaPorta is a pretty good move & receiving TE. Depending what the Packers do in the first few rounds should LaPorta be sitting there in the middle of round 3 he certainly would be someone I'd consider. Someone is going to be happy with this guy.

3 points
5
2
jannes bjornson's picture

March 19, 2023 at 02:01 pm

All of these TEs will be moving off the boards relatively early. He may go late 2nd round. The rush for CBs will be in Rd one with as many as seven being selected . I have no issues with LaPorta. I would take him as the move TE over Kincaid.

0 points
3
3
Since'75's picture

March 19, 2023 at 03:57 pm

That would complete the hat trick of tight ends taken in the 3rd round.

Go get em Gute!!

-2 points
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PackEyedOptimist's picture

March 19, 2023 at 01:51 pm

I expect LaPorta to be picked in the second round. He is one of the most well-rounded TEs in this class, and he exhibits the combination of athleticism and technique and desire that makes for a VERY high floor.

I had to laugh at "Oftentimes was late getting his hands ready for contested catches" when "late hands" is something the Packers WANT their receivers to exhibit (and Davante was the master of).

My preferred first TE is still Darnell Washington, but I think LaPorta will be just as good a pro as Mayer, and he's a better blocker than Dalton Kincaid.

0 points
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4
PackyCheese500's picture

March 19, 2023 at 03:20 pm

LaPorta would be my No. 6 TE out of the 6 day 1-2 TEs. He can't block. Find someone else - if you want a rd.2 TE, try Tucker Kraft of SD St.

4 points
5
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dobber's picture

March 19, 2023 at 03:44 pm

Profiles a lot like Irv Smith, Jr., when he came out, only Laporta has a longer resume of college production on mediocre (bad in 2022) offensive teams. Bottom line is Iowa does a great job of turning out TEs, and I think he'll be a good one.

3 points
3
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CheesedDeadHead's picture

March 19, 2023 at 04:11 pm

"he was ranked 124th out of 146 FBS tight ends with a 75.6 NFL passer rating when targeted."

Context is important. What was the passer rating of the Iowa QB(s) to other receivers?

"Bottom line is Iowa does a great job of turning out TEs, and I think he'll be a good one."

Could he be the player to break our 3rd round curse (or is that too early to pick him)?

2 points
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HawkPacker's picture

March 19, 2023 at 04:49 pm

" Played in Iowa’s bowl game instead of opting out for draft preparation." This should tell everyone that he is a team first guy and would be a great locker room presence as well.

If we could get one of the stud TE's in the first two rounds and pick up LaPorta in the 3rd or 4th we would be in great shape at the tight end position.

And yes PC 500 he surely can block!

3 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

March 19, 2023 at 04:54 pm

Per NFL Draft Buz on Sam LaPorta:

Has a long way to go as a blocker, against an edge rusher he will frequently lose.
Currently a liability in run blocking.

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

March 19, 2023 at 07:26 pm

Throw him the ball. They have Davis as a blocker and hunt down Schoonmaker later. Rd six guys can come in and turn LBs on the corner as blockers. LaFleur has to move away from the Shanahan, demo derby wide zone stuff. It cannot move guys into the endzone on short yardage.

-1 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

March 19, 2023 at 08:02 pm

Who is Davis blocking? No one soon, I'm afraid - he's not very good at that. If anything, try and see what Allen has - 260 lbs and 6'8. Could be interesting as a blocker or red zone weapon

-1 points
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jannes bjornson's picture

March 20, 2023 at 06:54 am

Watch the last three games.

0 points
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HawkPacker's picture

March 19, 2023 at 09:57 pm

I have watched him for at least three years and he as good as most and does a lot of the right things!

1 points
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Lphill's picture

March 19, 2023 at 07:11 pm

That’s a lot of drops , no thank you .

2 points
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PackyCheese500's picture

March 19, 2023 at 08:13 pm

On another note, I was reading some about the Rodgers trade, and I've compiled four possible trade packages that I think are fair. Here they are:

Package 1 - the ideal trade for the Packers that includes pick 13.
Jets receive: QB Aaron Rodgers
Packers receive: 13th overall pick, 2024 conditional draft pick (a 3rd-rounder if Rodgers plays at least 65% of snaps, completes over 62%of his passes, and throws at least 25 passing TDs, a 2nd rounder if the Jets make the playoffs, and a 3rd-rounder if the Jets win the super bowl).

Package 2 - This is where, instead of keeping pick 13, the Packers and Jets swap first-rounders, and the down-the road assets are a bit costlier in this package. It also includes 2022 draftee Jeremy Ruckert, a TE who could hopefully help our barren room.
Jets receive: QB Aaron Rodgers, 15th overall pick
Packers receive: 13th overall pick, 43rd overall pick, a 2024 conditional 2nd round pick (that turns into a first round pick if Rodgers plays at least 75% of snaps and the Jets make the playoffs), a 2025 conditional 3rd-round pick (if Rodgers decides to play in 2024; it can turn into a second-round pick if Rodgers completes at least 62% of his passes and throws at least 25 passing TDs while playing at least 70% of snaps, and can turn into a first-round pick if the Jets win two playoff games), and TE Jeremy Ruckert

Package 3: This one throws in our 3rd-round pick (which we wouldn't use for any good anyway) to make the Jets more willing to part with pick 13. As a result, the 2024 pick is, at minimum, a 2nd rounder, and the conditions of it becoming a first are less restrictive.
Jets receive: 78th overall pick, QB Aaron Rodgers
Packers receive: 13th overall pick and a 2024 conditional 2nd round draft pick (that turns into a 1st-rounder if the Jets win a playoff game).

Package 4: This may be the most intriguing of the trades. Getting Jermaine Johnson, who had a quiet rookie season, would pretty much alleviate our need at EDGE rusher. I know I liked him a lot as a prospect. The questions are whether he will be a late(r) bloomer like Gary was or if he will be a bust. Also, was he liked by the Packers FO last year? Can he become a menace opposite Gary? Do we really want to pass up on the top-tier EDGE class that the 2023 class offers?
Jets receive: 15th overall pick, 116th overall pick, QB Aaron Rodgers, EDGE Jonathan Garvin,
Packers receive: 13th overall pick, 74th overall pick, EDGE Jermaine Johnson II

-4 points
2
6
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou's picture

March 19, 2023 at 11:04 pm

Packy,
Thanks for all the research & your input. You invested a lot of time, which makes me wonder why so many have down voted you? It is okay to down vote but provide an opinion.

I will be honest, I keep thinking the Packers in their trade with the Jet's might have either Elijah Moore thrown in, or maybe Zach Wilson. I have also thought about them occasionally throwing in Jeremy Ruckert, but usually it is Elijah. Who knows! However, I hadn't thought about the Jet's including an Edge rusher like Jermaine Johnson who was the #26 pick in the first round last year. He had a lot of hoopla and attention about him leading into the draft. He is definitely a good player but he wasn't on my list as I preferred other Edge players like David Ojabe, Boye Mafe, or Nik Bonitto.

His rookie stats show he is a very good Edge in setting the edge and stopping the run. In fact, one of the best in the league his rookie season for Edge players. However, his pass rush was anemic and one of the worst. In fact, Kinglsey appears to have been quite a bit better. They both are about the same height & weight though Jermaine is an inch taller. However, Jermaine's 40 speed is significantly better at 4.52 vs 4.87 for Kinglsey. One would think as the better athlete Jermaine may be the better player long-term.

0 points
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Rarescope's picture

March 19, 2023 at 11:22 pm

I’ll downvote and give a reason. I read this article and comments because it’s one of the only non- Rodgers articles out there. Take your pick of them and go post there. Until a trade or real development actually happens I couldn’t care less about what anyone has to say on the topic.

-1 points
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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

March 20, 2023 at 03:40 am

This is well-thought out and reasoned. I imagine it took some time to write out. Any of those scenarios might be under discussion between the teams.

Jermaine Johnson is interesting. He was the 26th pick so GB passed on him in favor of Quay Walker and he was gone by the Pack's 28 pick (Wyatt). Hard to say how the scouting department viewed him.

Johnson played 314 snaps in 14 games coming into a team with a good defense. He had 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 5 QB hits, 3 TFL, and a 3.3% missed tackle percentage. PFF gave him a 71.1 grade. For comparison, in his rookie year Rashan Gary played 244 snaps, and had 21 tackles, 3 QB hits, 3 TFL, and a 12.5% missed tackle percentage. PFF gave Gary a 54.1 grade. I'd guess PFF disliked those missed tackles.

Ruckert is also interesting. He was a third round comp pick in 2022 (101st pick). He injured his foot at the senior bowl. He played in 9 games but logged just 48 offensive snaps. He did have 101 ST snaps in those 9 games, so it is a little concerning that he didn't get on the field more. That can be explained as the Jets had Tyler Conklin and Uzomah ahead of him. They combined for 1,086 yards and 8 TDs in 2021. They didn't match those numbers with Wilson, flacco and White starting games at QB in 2022. Ruckert has the size and reportedly enjoys blocking while still often described as a move TE. Sounds like he could be a nice starting dual threat TE in the pros. OSU TEs don't have the best track record, according to the draftnetwork. GB certainly needs TEs.

As for putting this comment here, I understand the AR trade fatigue. That said, I used to start writing a comment on the cap, but being persnickety and needing to have the numbers be accurate, it might take me 4 hours to write it, by which time there were 140 comments. I sometimes would find a different article and put it there instead. So, I haven't a problem with it.

BTW, I spent 3 or 4 hours on an article last night. It needs a little work yet. Just a cap update. I plan to keep it reasonably short (LOL). I hope to publish it in the late afternoon/early evening. I have to check to see what other articles might be on their way.

2 points
3
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greengold's picture

March 20, 2023 at 05:44 am

Great breakdown comparing Gary & Johnson rookie seasons, with Gary being a #12 pick overall.

Totally get topics becoming white hot, spending time researching & crafting that which best communicates an important point only to have it buried. Meanwhile, people are already immersed knocking around ideas 4 topics and 2 days ahead…

Lol

Sometimes you find that spot to share that same info in a more recent topic in the hopes a good discussion doesn’t just fizzle into the ether.

1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

March 20, 2023 at 11:03 am

Thanks, TGR. The Packers' cap situation with a Rodgers' trade pre June 1 makes my teeth hurt.

My top of the envelop analysis says the Packers available cap will drop from approximately $24 mil now to $14 with a pre June trade.

And if the Packers give the Jets any money to reduce Rodgers gaudy salary, it directly reduces the $14 mil available cap.

I think this is the thorny part of the negotiations right now. And would Rodgers agree to renegotiate his contract (down) with Woody and the Jets?

0 points
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greengold's picture

March 20, 2023 at 05:59 am

Appreciate the scenario possibilities, Packy.

My thing is value difference between #13 and #15 is only 100 points.

Why are we even talking about that then, like a very bottom R3/top R4 is somehow of significant trade value in exchanging those picks?

I see this bandied about a lot, and we’re really not getting anything with that in return for a 4-Time MVP winner with a SB ring QB1…

Rodgers is worth that #13 outright at a minimum.

1 points
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LambeauPlain's picture

March 20, 2023 at 11:08 am

I like Musgrave and think he would be a good choice at 15. It wouldn't be popular, but plugs a gaping hole.

And I would hope the Packers select another TE in the 4th or 5th. Gutey & his personnel team have been solid finding draft talent on day 3.

0 points
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golfpacker1's picture

March 20, 2023 at 04:05 pm

Wow lets see. Obviously you haven't watched Laporta or the Iowa Hawkeyes play much. Let me school you on some things.
If you can't block you don't get the opportunity to catch passes at Iowa. You don't play, simple as that. Probably why Iowa has a tough time recruiting WR. The fact that they turn out so many good TE is a credit to the system.
Are you really going to doubt another Iowa tight end. They usually are very good. They are always fundementally sound and Iowa players won't be head cases guaranteed. So you won't have any trouble and get good players.
Iowa has been blessed with having the worst QB in college football the last 3 years. According to Kirk he gave us the best chance to win, but thats a long story and there's not enough room on this page. Anything Sam Laporta has accomplished he has done so on his own receiving wise because not only did our QB hang onto the ball forever but he was couldn't hit water if he fell out of the boat. Laporta won't and shouldn't be the first tight end taken, but he will be in the league and be an asset for whoever is smart enough to pick him. I hope we do.

0 points
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GeorgeRipley's picture

March 22, 2023 at 09:29 am

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-1 points
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