Sam LaPorta 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Academic standout 

• Played wide receiver and defensive back in high school 

• Competed in basketball and track in high school 
• Earned Iowa’s Offensive Team Hustle Award in 2021

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: Pro-style
• 2022 projected role: Starting tight end 

Pros: Sam LaPorta has become more productive every season at Iowa and led the team in receiving in 2021 with nearly double the production of the Hawkeyes’ No. 2 target. For an offense that struggles to create big plays and consistently keep the chains moving, LaPorta is a trusted target that provides the unit with a bright spot. The Hawkeyes deploy LaPorta as a traditional in-line player, but he also receives opportunities to work from the slot. LaPorta is a sound route-runner that is crisp through his breaks with experience running routes to all levels of the field. He competes to stay leveraged and provide his quarterback with a consistent target. He features mostly secure hands to pluck the football away from this frame with extension while also making good adjustments to the ball. LaPorta is competitive after the catch, forcing a surprising amount of missed tackles. LaPorta is a highly competitive blocker that brings the fight on every snap. I like how he blocks with good leverage, competes to fit his hands, and works to accelerate his feet to create movement. 

Cons: While Sam LaPorta is a competitive blocker with ideal temperament that has plenty of exciting reps, there are too many instances of opponents playing right through him. LaPorta mostly showcases consistent technique greeting the football but he isn’t immune to the occasional drop. I don’t see a dominant player at the catch point. LaPorta is a good athlete but not overly dynamic where he profiles as a size/speed mismatch in the passing game.

Sam LaPorta NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino