Sam LaPorta TE Iowa | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Sam LaPorta TE Iowa
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| Overall Rank: #104 Position Rank: #5 (TE) | |
| 40 time: 4.66 seconds | |
| Height: 6-4 Weight: 249 | |
| Hands: 10 Arms: 32 3/8 Span: 77 | |
| Date of Birth: 01/12/2001 Age: 21.10 | |
| Overall Rating: | 84.1 / 100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Game performance weighted rating | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 80.3 | |
| Hands: |
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66% |
| Short Receiving: |
|
90% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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88% |
| Deep Threat: |
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86% |
| Blocking: |
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58% |
| DRAFT PROJECTION: 4th Position rank: #5 | ||
| College Games: 43 College Snaps: 1992 | ||
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ESPN College Recruiting
Grade:
(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 Sports Recruiting
Grade:
(84/100 )
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| Ovr Rank: #1174 Pos Rank: #55 | ||
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 protction 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.
AWARDS & HONORS
- 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.
How other scouting services rate Sam LaPorta (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
66.3
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
4.0