New York Giants Draft Prospect Profile: TE Sam LaPorta

Let's take a look into the deep tight end class at Iowa's Sam LaPorta.

Author:
Brandon Olsen
Publish date:
Apr 24, 2023 4:00 PM EDT

In this story:

New York Giants

Iowa Hawkeyes

Sam LaPorta, TE

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 245 lbs.
Class: Fourth-Year Senior
School: Iowa

Sam LaPorta was a low-ranked wide receiver out of Highland, Illinois, who was incredibly productive in high school with 50 receiving touchdowns and 3,793 receiving yards -- good for second and third, respectively, all-time in Illinois high school history. LaPorta only received offers from three FBS universities, with Iowa being the only Power Five university to offer.

Notables

LaPorta moved to tight end immediately following his arrival to the Hawkeyes program. Had the quarterback with the worst rating in college football as his starter, hindering production.

Strengths

Versatility to work in-line, in the slot, and out wide
Does a great job of varying tempo as a route runner
Has more after-the-catch ability than most tight ends, including a phenomenal stiff arm
Eats up space on DBs before making his break
Relentless effort as a blocker, constantly looking to engage with defenders
Had one of his best games against man-heavy Illinois in 2022

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Weaknesses

Has struggled with drops throughout his career, but his technique has improved in that area
Needs to add strength to be a reliable blocker on the inside
Still getting comfortable finding and sitting in soft spots in zones
Doesn’t get his hands inside on defenders consistently enough

Summary

LaPorta has climbed up draft boards as another Iowa Hawkeyes tight end held back by a horrible offensive system and even worse quarterback play. In the NFL, LaPorta can instantly become a contributor best used as a pass-catcher mostly used as a blocker against smaller defenders.

GRADE: 6.35