It’s tempting to dismiss the fantasy hype surrounding Sam LaPorta, assuming it’s just more chatter about another over-hyped tight end. But here’s the thing, LaPorta isn’t here for your average TE talk. He’s not a “maybe he’ll snag five targets if the QB’s feeling generous” kind of guy. Nope, he’s the real deal in a Detroit Lions offense that has quietly become a TE-friendly ecosystem. Think red-zone reliability, chunk-play potential, and jaw-dropping efficiency metrics. If you’re not paying attention to him yet, grab your coffee and buckle up. We’re breaking down why this guy is worth your attention in 2025.
Who is Sam LaPorta?
Born to give Lions fans some TE swagger back, LaPorta’s 2023 debut season had fantasy managers scrambling to pick him up. Coming out of Iowa, a program that seemingly breeds NFL-grade TEs, He was snagged in the second round of the draft. And boy, has he proven his worth. Standing 6’3″ and weighing in at 245 pounds, he’s built like a truck but moves with the finesse of a sports car. Think prime Jimmy Graham vibes, but with a little more in-line versatility.
Why LaPorta is a Fantasy Gem in 2025
1. Production Worth Writing Home About
After ending his rookie season as TE1, LaPorta remained a top-10 fantasy finisher in 2024, posting 726 receiving yards and seven TDs. Sure, the volume dipped compared to his rookie campaign, but when you’re snatching 60 passes on just 83 targets, anyone complaining is officially greedy.
2. Routes, Baby, Routes
LaPorta ran a route on nearly 78% of dropbacks in 2024. That’s up there with the elite TEs. Combine this with playing over half his snaps in-line and another 26.5% in the slot, and you see a player who commands the field. It’s like the Lions built their playbook with “Make LaPorta Great Again” in mind.
3. Efficiency is His Middle Name
If efficiency had a face in the TE world, it would look a lot like LaPorta. With metrics like 6.1 yards after the catch per reception (6th among TEs) and 1.4 yards after catch over expectation (4th), he’s turning short throws into chunk plays. His 75.9% catch rate isn’t just good, it’s “should he be playing WR too?” good.
4. Detroit’s Offensive Context
This isn’t your dad’s Detroit Lions. With Jared Goff under center, the offense hummed along in 2024 as one of the league’s highest-volume units. Sure, they’re run-first, but when they pass, they make it count. And new OC John Morton has stated he isn’t tweaking much from Ben Johnson’s playbook. Translation? The TE-friendly scheme isn’t going anywhere.
5. A Secure Role
Unlike some TEs who have to split reps and targets, his role in Detroit’s offense is as locked-in as an All-Pro Center’s protection. WRs like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams will grab their fair share of looks, but when it matters, in the red zone and on key downs, LaPorta is that guy.
The Stiff-Arm to Doubters
Still, some fantasy managers worry about 2025. They point to a slight dropoff in targets last year, and yes, Jameson Williams’ emergence could nibble at some opportunities. But if you’re banking on a TE who does more with less, LaPorta’s your man. And let’s face it, the dude has missed just one game in two seasons. Durability like this in today’s NFL deserves at least a polite golf clap.
Final Thoughts
Sam LaPorta is shaping up to be one of the best value picks for TEs in 2025 fantasy drafts. He checks all the boxes you want in a reliable TE1: target share, advanced metrics, and a favorable offensive scheme. Add in Detroit’s continuity at QB and their loaded offense, and LaPorta could easily outperform his ADP.
If you’re not drafting LaPorta this year, understand that someone in your league will thank you for that mistake. Don’t make it. Scout smart. Draft smarter. LaPorta might just bring you that fantasy championship you’ve always dreamed of.
