By Sunday 
If Detroit Lions fans needed another reason to smile heading into the 2025 NFL season, this is it—Sam LaPorta has officially arrived.
Two years after Detroit boldly traded away T.J. Hockenson to a division rival, many wondered if the Lions had fumbled one of their best offensive weapons. But it turns out they may have upgraded. According to a recent All-NFC North vote, LaPorta has been named the division’s top tight end, earning First-Team honors ahead of former Lion Hockenson.
From Rookie Surprise to Certified Star
When the Lions snagged LaPorta out of Iowa in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Then he exploded onto the scene.
As a rookie, LaPorta set the record for receptions by a first-year tight end with 86 catches, racking up 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. He wasn’t just good—he was impossible to ignore.
While his sophomore season in 2024 started slow, LaPorta rediscovered his rhythm and ended the year as a go-to target once again. His growing chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff continues to evolve into something special.
Hockenson’s Bounce Back Isn’t Enough
To be fair, T.J. Hockenson didn’t just fade away. After rehabbing from a torn ACL, he put together a decent end to the 2024 season and enters 2025 healthy and ready to contribute in Minnesota. But in the eyes of division insiders and voters, he now plays second fiddle to his replacement.
Hockenson’s career-best numbers from 2023—95 receptions, 960 yards, and 5 touchdowns—are still top-tier. But as the Vikings transition to rookie QB J.J. McCarthy and spread targets across a loaded offense, Hockenson might find fewer chances to shine.
Why LaPorta Deserves the Crown
LaPorta isn’t just a pass-catching weapon; he’s developing into a full-package tight end. His blocking has improved, his route tree is deep, and he’s learning how to find soft spots in defenses with veteran-like instincts.
Most importantly, he fits perfectly in Ben Johnson’s offense—a system built around versatility and mismatches.
At just 24 years old, LaPorta’s ceiling is still rising. If his trajectory continues, the NFC North may belong to him for years to come.
In the end, the Lions made a gutsy move trading away a Pro Bowl tight end. But thanks to Sam LaPorta, they didn’t just replace him—they got better.