Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta has been thoroughly impressive over his first four games of the season and is even making history.
According to Pro Football Focus, LaPorta has more receptions (22) than any other NFL tight end in history has accumulated through their first four professional contests and is second in receiving yards (242).
LaPorta is coming off of a four-catch, 56-yard effort in the Lions’ 34-20 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
The 22-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Iowa, was selected by Detroit in the second round of the NFL Draft back in the spring.
LaPorta spent four years at Iowa and saw relatively limited action at first. He logged just 15 catches for 188 yards during his freshman campaign, and the following year, he caught 27 passes for 271 yards and a touchdown.
However, the Highland, Il. native broke out during his junior season, hauling in 53 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns. LaPorta then posted similar numbers during his final year with the Hawkeyes, snaring 58 balls for 657 yards and a score.
LaPorta surprised clubs with his athleticism at the Scouting Combine when he ran a 4.59-second 40 yard dash. That is awfully impressive for a guy who is 6-foot-4 and weighs close to 250 pounds.
While he is known primarily for his pass-catching ability, LaPorta is also a decent blocker, as his speed and quickness makes up for his lack of elite-level strength and bulk.
Sam LaPorta has been very consistent over the Lions’ first four contests of 2023. His best performance to date came during the club’s Week 3 win over the Atlanta Falcons, when he registered eight grabs for 84 yards and a touchdown.
Detroit improved to 3-1 with its win over the Packers, moving into sole possession of first place in the NFC North. The Lions will take on the Carolina Panthers next Sunday.