Sam LaPorta (DET) – 2025 Fantasy Outlook: Concise, Reddit-informed snapshot

- Role clarity
  - Deep TE1 for the Lions with a clear baseline workload when healthy.
  - Primary pass-catching TE in Detroit’s offense behind Amon-Ra St. Brown; likely 70–100+ targets if fully healthy, with a chunk of short-to-intermediate targets and some red-zone appearances.

- Tradeoffs and sentiment
  - Mixed/ cautionary sentiment in Reddit circles: not liked at mid-round ADP; labeled as a “bust” candidate by FF Hound for mid-round TE range (along with Andrews/Hockenson).
  - Some advocates still see value in a secure TE target in a potent offense, but the trend is toward skepticism at current ADP.

- Preseason/injury news
  - Lions’ camp: minor injury, “little bit of time” out; sources describe it as preseason timing, not a long-term issue.
  - Possible missed practice days could impact early chemistry with Jared Goff; not expected to derail season-long role, but could temper early-week projections.

- 2024 data context (signals)
  - First Downs Per Route Run: Laporta around 0.097 (14th among top TEs) in 2024; indicates strong per-route efficiency and a high-use rookie role.
  - Routes run: on the field for a large share of snaps for a rookie TE; efficiency suggests genuine role receipt when healthy.

- Competition and risk factors
  - Potential competition: Tucker Kraft (per some mocks/rumors) and other depth at TE could threaten target share if LaPorta misses time or underperforms on volume.
  - Teammate landscape: Lions’ WRs (St. Brown, Williams) and RBs (Gibbs, Montgomery) soak some targets; LaPorta’s high-percentage routes help mitigate competition risk, but volume hinges on health and coaching usage.

- Projections and ranges (actionable estimates)
  - Targets: roughly 70–100+ if healthy; 60–90+ if early-season camp time lingers.
  - Receptions: often in the 40–70 range depending on target volume.
  - Yards: mid-range for a top-12 TE in a strong offense; expect 450–700 yards.
  - TDs: 3–6, with upside in favorable game scripts or red-zone packages.
  - Weekly floor: moderate; ceiling tied to how pass-heavy Detroit stays in a given week.

- Draft strategy implications (how to treat him in drafts)
  - Do not chase him at mid-round ADP with the expectation of a weekly locked-top TE1; FF Hound’s bust lens and the Kraft chatter increase risk.
  - If you target LaPorta, plan for a potentially delayed start (camp/injury holdout) and bench-stashing or pairing with high-upside WRs/RBbacks.
  - Better value paths exist: RBs in the 2nd, or high-upside WRs in the 6th, rather than banking on LaPorta as a primary TE1 at current ADP.
  - If you prefer a Lions TE, be ready to pivot to Kraft or another TE in-season depending on early camp reports and workload splits.

- In-season playability and strategy
  - Monitor camp reports for target share and KO/goal-line role; any regression in route usage or
    red-zone targets could deflate his value quickly.
  - In rotations where Detroit leans pass-heavy (game script favorable to passing), expect LaPorta to deliverInside-the-20 targets and catchable looks.

- Key discussion points to watch
  - How much baseline target share does LaPorta hold with Kraft pressing?
  - Does the injury/setup in preseason lead to any Week 1 workload dip or a slow start?
  - Will Detroit maintain a balanced attack or lean into pass-happy games that juice TE targets?
  - Is there a real creeping ADP risk that makes him a bust at the current price, or does the upside justify a measured risk?

Bottom line
- LaPorta remains a solid NFL TE with a legitimate role in Detroit, and his efficiency/minimum target floor argues for a usable fantasy profile if healthy. However, the mid-round TE risk, injury-time caveat, and potential TE competition push him toward being a precarious value play rather than a must-have. If you want him, draft with a contingency plan (backup TE or streaming option) and don’t overpay based on last year’s rookie path.