Breaking down Sam LaPorta’s tape ahead of 2023 NFL draft
Here’s something unsurprising: Iowa football has another stellar tight end entering the NFL draft.
Few schools have done more in recent years to earn the “Tight End U” moniker than the Iowa Hawkeyes. Recent players such as George Kittle, TJ Hockenson, and Noah Fant have solidified the Black and Gold’s reputation as the NFL pipeline for the tight end position.
Iowa’s offense has not been good at all over the past two seasons, and it could have been a heck of a lot worse without star man Sam LaPorta. He has routinely led the Big Ten tight ends in nearly every category, dragging a pedestrian Iowa passing attack single-handedly. His two 650-yard-plus receiving seasons with Iowa definitely should be weighed even heavier considering the offense around him.
Given his combination of college production and athleticism, LaPorta has resurfaced as one of the favorite tight ens in the upcoming draft. Take a look at what has social media buzzing about the latest model from the Tight End Factory in Iowa City.
Former NFL Tight End Chimes in
Sam LaPorta is a weapon. He lines up all over the formation from slot (112 snaps last year) to out wide. He has good hands and can run. (4.59)
He has great YAC (20 forced missed tackles) and is a willing blocker. He’s my TE 2 this year. #NFLdraft #NFLtwitter pic.twitter.com/d5uMTln40T
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) April 10, 2023
WHOOP!
Sam LaPorta hitting Sydney Brown with the okie doke pic.twitter.com/5DyOMQm6pD
— Stoney Keeley (@StoneyKeeley) April 8, 2023
Is That Good?
Sam LaPorta led Big 10 TEs last season in…
🥇 Catches (53)
🥇 Yards (670)
🥇 Yards after catch (299)
🥇 Yards after contact (206)
🥇 Catches of 15+ yards (18)pic.twitter.com/wanw3qzxBE— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 12, 2022
Lil' Bro
Sam LaPorta treating Kentucky like they're all his little brothers pic.twitter.com/WFroiy7WXP
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) December 31, 2022
Always Open
#Iowa TE Sam LaPorta
Play-action — Sail concept. @HawkeyeFootball pic.twitter.com/salaAt1OWX
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) July 9, 2022
We Wish Too...
Sam Laporta 6040–249 pounds. I like what I’ve seen on tape from him. I wish he was in a more passing offense to feature his ability.
Nonetheless, he’s a solid TE prospect. pic.twitter.com/aK6U676Z4i
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) October 28, 2022
Big Catch Over the Middle
3rd down. A catch over the middle in traffic ain't no thing for Sam LaPorta.
According to PFF the Iowa TE led the Big 10 TEs in yards after the catch (299) and catches of 15-plus yards (18) last season.
Could be a day two target for the Packers in the 2023 NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/fj4fpmAzej
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) August 18, 2022
Always Open
TIGHT END U 🐥 💪 @Samlaporta with the touchdown! @HawkeyeFootball pic.twitter.com/6CEnWtGmBr
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 5, 2022
Keeps Improving as a Blocker
TBD on if Sam LaPorta joins this TE class…but he's got plenty of good film from this year
He's still developing as a blocker, but there are plenty of big reps like this pic.twitter.com/LUppnticNZ
— Connor Rogers (@ConnorJRogers) December 31, 2021
One-Man Wrecking Crew
Sam LaPorta getting his George Kittle on pic.twitter.com/pjN3IuiOgn
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) October 1, 2022
Woah...
Louis Rudock said Brian Ferentz told him that the only difference between Rob Gronkowski and Sam LaPorta is height.
Major Gronk vibes on this play. pic.twitter.com/yAkL17QfeA
— Mitch Fick (@MCFick) December 31, 2022
Best in the West!
Leading the pack. 😤@Samlaporta leads the B1G tight ends in receptions and yards totaling 53 receptions for 601 yards and a touchdown. @B1Gfootball 𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗸-𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 pic.twitter.com/TVZKXwmSGB
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 30, 2022
Kittle Mode!
Sam LaPorta AGAIN in George Kittle mode pic.twitter.com/kwptmHvUNU
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) October 9, 2022
Showing Contested Catch Abilities
Sam Laporta with a snag here. Leo actually does a good job and has it covered up, but the sticky hands to go up for it by Laporta and finishing the catch through traffic are what sets him apart. pic.twitter.com/nI7jWtf62x
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) February 18, 2023
Agreed!
Sam LaPorta at 45 >>> any 1st round TE pic.twitter.com/UIM40qjTRB
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) April 13, 2023
TEU
Sam LaPorta is ready to join these @HawkeyeFootball alums in 2023 😤
📺: 2023 #NFLDraft — Starts Thursday, April 27 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/sBqcW3BDT4
— NFL (@NFL) April 9, 2023
