Sam LaPorta TE Iowa | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Sam LaPorta TE Iowa
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Inline Receiving TE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 04/05/2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.59 seconds (89%*) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 23.3 DOB: 01/12/2001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Inline Receiving TE | |
| Last Updated: 04/05/2023 | |
| Draft Year: 2023 | |
| 40 time: 4.59 seconds (89%*) | |
| Age: 23.3 DOB: 01/12/2001 | |
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| Overall Rating: | 84.3 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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76% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 80.3 | |
| Hands: |
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64% |
| Short Receiving: |
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87% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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85% |
| Deep Threat: |
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83% |
| Blocking: |
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57% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
3rd
Overall Rank:
#94
Position rank:
#6
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| College Games: 43 College Snaps: 1992 | ||
ESPN RATING: 74/100
College Combine Results
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OVR Rank:
#162
Pos Rank:
#173
State Rank:
#28
College Combine Results
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247 RATING: 86/100
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| Ovr Rank: #1174 Pos Rank: #55 | ||
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RIVALS RATING: 5.5 (90%)
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Drafted: ROUND: 2 - Pick Number: 34 (DET)
Draft Profile: Bio
Sam LaPorta from Highland High School was rated a 3-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 3-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, LaPorta opted to join Iowa.In 2019 as a freshman LaPorta saw action in 12 games for the Hawkeyes as he made 15 receptions for a solid 188 yards for an average of 12.5 yards per reception, with no TDs, and an excellent QB rating when targeted of 98.9. As a blocker he allowed no pressures and no sacks.
As a sophomore in 2020 he played 8 games and had a solid 27 catches for 271 yards for an average of 10.0 yards per catch, with one TD, and just QB rating when targeted of 55.6. In pass protection, he gave up 2 pressures and no sacks. As a pass blocker he gave up one pressure and no sacks.
As a junior in 2021 he played 14 games and hauled in an excellent 53 catches for a solid 670 yards for an average of 12.6 yards per catch, with 3 TDs, and an excellent QB rating when targeted of 93.1.
As a senior in 2022 he played 11 games and had an excellent 53 catches for a solid 592 yards for an average of 11.2 yards per catch, one TD, and a QB rating when targeted of 74.0. In pass protection, he gave up one pressure and one sack.
Honors & awards
- 2021, led Big Ten tight ends in receptions (53), yards (670), yards after catch (299), yards after contact (206), and catches of 15+ yards (18).
- LaPorta (131) surpassed Marv Cook (126) as Iowa's all-time receptions leader for a tight end.
- Most missed tackles forced by an Iowa TE in a single season (10) beating out the previous record holder T.J. Hockenson (8).
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Runs WR routes in addition to TE. His route tree is massive showcasing his football IQ
- Very reliable target on passing downs. Very rarely drops a pass.
- Is great using his length to adjust to throws that are either under or overthrown.
- Great after the catch and frequently takes advantage of mismatches against LBs.
- Great athletic build for a TE. Expect a high RAS score at the combine
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Has a long way to go as a blocker, against an edge rusher he will frequently lose.
- Currently a liability in run blocking.
- Due to somewhat limited usage, there is a small sample size of his tape.
Player Comparison
Tyler Higbee - LA RamsScouting Report: Summary
Sam LaPorta while having a long way to go as a blocker is an effective first down converter. He will flourish in an air raid offense such as the Chiefs or be underutilized in a run-heavy offense such as the Titans. At his best, he is used to creating mismatches against lbs. At his worst, he is used as a run blocker. He showcases above-average IQ which will translate well as he begins learning from NFL coaches. While he currently lacks in blocking technique, that is easily fixable and he shows great willingness to learn. Being that he is one of the only bright spots in his offense, his stats are not reflective of his true talent.At his current draft value, consider him great value in the third round and beyond. He’s a reach in draft rounds one and two.
Sam LaPorta percentiles vs other Tight Ends (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)
Sam LaPorta Video Review
How other scouting services rate Sam LaPorta (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
59.2
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
7.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.