​Despite his season ending early due to a back injury, Sam LaPorta remains widely regarded as one of the top tight ends in the NFL. ESPN’s latest ranking of the top 10 players at each position, as determined by executives, coaches, and scouts across the league, places LaPorta at No. 4 among his peers. An NFC scout praised his skill set, saying, “He’s got great hands—he’ll make a lot of circus, contested catches, especially in the red zone—and his blocking is high level. He’s just an all-around problem.”
LaPorta’s third NFL season yielded his weakest statistical numbers in receptions (40), receiving yards (489), and touchdowns (3) due to appearing in only nine games in 2025, a season low for the burgeoning tight end. Yet a deeper look at his efficiency metrics explains why he remains firmly in the conversation for the league’s elite at tight end. Among the top-10, LaPorta led in yards after first contact per reception (2.25) and ranked first in yards after catch per reception (6.9). His 12.2 yards per reception, 69.4% catch rate, 54.3 receiving yards per game, and an 81.6% catch rate represented personal-season highs for 2025.
The list’s top three tight ends alongside LaPorta included Brock Bowers, Trey McBride, and George Kittle. Kittle, recovering from an Achilles tear suffered late in the previous season, remains a benchmark of the position even as he works back to full strength. The NFC North boasted strong representation on this year’s roster with Tucker Kraft at No. 6, Colston Loveland at No. 7, and Cole Kmet receiving honorable mention. T.J. Hockenson, formerly of Detroit, also earned votes in the annual survey.
What stands out about LaPorta’s inclusion is that, in some surveys, he went unranked entirely, yet he ended up as the highest-ranked player on the list who received no rank at all. While some evaluators may have lingering questions about his health, Lions head coach Dan Campbell is confident in LaPorta’s rehabilitation and his readiness for training camp. “We like where he is going; he is trending the right way,” Campbell said during OTAs, signaling optimism about a healthy LaPorta entering the season.
If LaPorta is cleared to start the season and remains healthy, he could have his most productive year yet, especially with Drew Petzing directing Detroit’s offensive approach. Petzing, who previously coached LaPorta’s current teammate Trey McBride, reached out to LaPorta soon after the Lions hired Petzing. “I texted him right away,” McBride told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press at Pro Bowl practice. “I was like, ‘Man, you’re going to love it. You’re going to eat, you’re going to have a great career.’ I’m excited for him.” With Petzing at the helm, LaPorta’s development and opportunity could align to produce standout numbers, reinforcing his status as a top-tier tight end in the NFL.