Detroit Lions Have High Expectations For Rookie Sam LaPorta

The Detroit Lions picked tight end Sam LaPorta in the second round of the draft out of Iowa. While the Hawkeyes’ offense didn’t exactly light the world on fire last season, LaPorta was thought to be one of the top tight ends in the league. The Lions have high expectations for LaPorta in his rookie season.

Detroit Lions Love Sam LaPorta

After trading away TJ Hockenson last season to the Minnesota Vikings, there was a void at the tight end position. In the Detroit offense, the tight end is asked to do a lot and the Lions believe that he can handle everything they throw at him.

“I think the biggest thing is just try to put them in as many positions as possible. That includes in the classroom showing them film of what can go on,” tight ends coach Steve Heiden said, when asked about how the staff could shorten the learning curve for the talented tight end. “And then, to be honest, it’s really all about getting out here, getting on the field and feeling the speed of the game and just learning on the field and on the grass. That’s the best way to go about it. Throw them out there, feet to the fire and let’s go. Let’s go learn.”

Head coach Dan Campbell is a former tight end so it is no wonder he likes using tight ends in a variety of roles.

High Expectations For The Lions Offense

Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson decided to stay with the team which is a huge win for the organization. The offense was banging on all cylinders in the back half of the season. They are hoping that they will get more of the same this season. The Lions enter the 2023 season as favorites in the NFC North, a division they have never won. In order to capture that division crown, they will need the offense to be at the level it was at the end of last season.

Tight end Sam LaPorta should help the Detroit Lions offense. We have seen the effects that the tight end position can have on an offense. The Lions are hoping that they have found the next great tight end in LaPorta.