Discussion: Is Sam LaPorta still an elite tight end?

After a slow start to the season, Sam LaPorta has a hot streak going. For the Detroit Lions offense, that is a welcome sight.

LaPorta has not—and likely will not—reproduce or exceed his 86-catch, 889-yard rookie campaign, but there were still flashes of production from the talented tight end. The problem for LaPorta was putting it together consistently. Nearly every skill player on offense had a breakout game in 2024, but LaPorta had lagged behind. A handful of catches for a handful of yards was below the lofty standards he set for himself last season.

Things have been coming together recently for LaPorta, however.

Over the previous three games, LaPorta has 208 receiving yards and a…