Dynasty Rookie Draft Profile: Sam LaPorta (2023 Fantasy Football)

To help you prepare for your dynasty rookie and startup drafts, Derek Brown is putting together a dynasty rookie outlook for each and every fantasy-relevant 2023 NFL Draft prospect. We are combining DBro’s fantasy outlook with the NFL Draft profile of Matthew Jones. Here’s our dynasty rookie draft profile for Sam LaPorta.

Expert Consensus 2023 Dynasty Superflex Rookie Draft Rankings: Top-50

Dynasty Rookie Draft Profile: Sam LaPorta

Sam LaPorta Dynasty Rookie Draft Outlook

LaPorta will make his mark as a receiver in the NFL. Blocking will be a skill he must continue honing in the NFL. If LaPorta hits his ceiling in the NFL, it will be because of his pass-game abilities and not his run-blocking chops. LaPorta runs routes like a wide receiver. He’s smooth in and out of his breaks with surprising foot quickness. LaPorta played 20.2% of his snaps as a boundary receiver in 2022. He proved up to the task by leading all FBS tight ends in man coverage targets. He was also second in PFF receiving grade and third in yards per route run against man coverage (minimum ten man coverage targets). He’s also adept at finding the soft spots in zone coverage. He puts some impressive work after the catch on film. His start/stop ability and change of direction skills are noticeable. He has good acceleration after the catch with jukes, spin moves, and stiff arms to make a defensive back’s job of getting him to the ground tough. He ranked second in missed tackles forced and third in YAC among tight ends last year.

– Derek Brown

Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles

Sam LaPorta 2023 NFL Draft Outlook

LaPorta is a player who’s been a weapon in the passing game over the past two seasons and he has the athleticism and route-running skills to reprise that role at the pro level. He has the functional strength, range, and toughness to develop into an adequate blocker if he cleans up his overall balance and positioning.

– Matthew Jones

Projection: Round 4-5

Check out the full 2023 NFL Draft profile for Sam LaPorta here