Detroit Lions Playmaker Earns Major Recognition From NFL Execs

The 2023 season was a cathartic one for the Detroit Lions and their fans.

After suffering through poor and mediocre play for the last 30 years, the Lions exploded for 12 wins, an NFC North title and a trip to the conference championship game, where they held a third-quarter lead before falling to the San Francisco 49ers.

While some doubt if the Lions can reach the Super Bowl, let alone win it all, there is no doubt they have become a legitimate force after so many painful and frustrating years.

A lot of the credit for their success has gone to quarterback Jared Goff, two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and their dynamic running back duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. While their defense is a work in progress, defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson is a star in the making.

But one Lions stud who has perhaps been overshadowed by the others is tight end Sam LaPorta.

In a recent poll of NFL coaches, executives and scouts conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, LaPorta was named the fourth-best tight end in the NFL, behind only Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Mark Andrews.

Bleacher Report’s Adam Wells elaborated.

“If there’s an emerging tight end who could surpass the Kelce/Kittle/Andrews triumvirate going into 2025, it’s Detroit Lions standout Sam LaPorta,” Wells wrote . “The 23-year-old had a terrific rookie season with 889 yards and 10 touchdowns.

“LaPorta, who received at least one third-place vote, figures to be a prominent part of the offense in Detroit once again in 2024. If he improves upon the stats from his first year, there will be a strong argument to move him into the top three.”

The Lions could be a force to be reckoned with in 2024

The Lions, with some help from head coach Dan Campbell, have built a winning culture and program. LaPorta, like St. Brown, was taken on the second day of the NFL draft in their respective draft years, but he became a revelation throughout the 2023 campaign.

He was named to the Pro Bowl, and he was a major reason why Detroit finished the regular season fifth in scoring, fourth in passing touchdowns and second in passing yards. In the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers, he had nine receptions for 97 yards, and he led both teams in both categories.

Between LaPorta, St. Brown, Montgomery and Gibbs, as well as wideout Jameson Williams, whom they are high on, the Lions have the type of firepower few teams in football can match. Even if they don’t end up winning the Vince Lombardi Trophy, they will continue to be a handful for all of their opponents.

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