Draft Scouting Report:

Rating: 85.20 (Long-term starter)

Pro Comparison: Foster Moreau

Accolades:

  • 2022: First-team All-Big Ten
  • 2022: Most receptions by tight end in Iowa history (153) 

Summary:

Sam LaPorta is a do-everything, sneaky YAC monster at the TE spot. He lacks elite measurables or athleticism but has good wiggle, power and contact balance. Burst is good, not great, but he's not a stiff athlete, and he ran plenty of routes in college, so he understands what it takes to get open. He battles through initial contact off the line. He's not a ridiculous, contested-catch type. Speed is solid but unspectacular. Plenty of blocking experience and holds his own in that regard. He's an underrated TE prospect with strengths that bode well for what is asked of TEs today.

Strengths:

  • YAC specialist, contact balance, cutting skills are impressive
  • Gets the most out of his athleticism
  • Ran plenty of routes in college
  • Holds his own as a blocker

Weaknesses:

  • Doesn't have amazing athletic gifts
  • Not going to win 50-50 balls on a consistent basis

Combine Results:

  • 40-Yard Dash: 4.59 seconds
  • Vertical: 35 inches
  • Broad Jump: 10 feet, 3 inches
  • 3-Cone Drill: 6.91 seconds
  • Shuttle Run: 4.25 seconds