Lions add TE Sam LaPorta with pick No. 34

The Detroit Lions selected Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 34th overall.

The former Hawkeye finished his collegiate career with 1,786 yards and five touchdowns on 153 receptions.

LaPorta should get plenty of snaps given the lack of proven players at the position. The Lions traded away T.J. Hockenson, who they selected in the first round of the 2019 draft, to the Minnesota Vikings last year.

LaPorta joins linebacker Jack Campbell as the second Iowa player selected by the Lions in the 2023 draft.

Pre-draft profile

LaPorta is one of the smaller tight ends in the class, but he's also among the shiftiest. He routinely made defenders miss with various moves, both as a ball carrier and a route-runner. Iowa's offense did LaPorta no favors, frequently forcing him to attempt difficult catches. Still, it would've been nice to see him come down with more of his targets. He had a 10.2% drop rate in 2022, per PFF. But when LaPorta secured the ball, he showcased an excellent burst. Improving his average run-blocking technique and power will keep the former Hawkeye on the field and give him more opportunities to contribute, as will unlocking a wider route tree. He ran a pretty shallow selection of routes last season, but that had more to do with Iowa's offensive limitations than LaPorta's capabilities.