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Matt Waldman RSP Film Room fantasy football takes on Sam LaPorta
Every source-backed video insight STACKED has extracted from Matt Waldman RSP Film Room about Sam LaPorta.
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Insight ledger
All Matt Waldman RSP Film Room insights about Sam LaPorta
PositiveInjuryJul 27, 2026
Leaporta is fully cleared for training camp after back surgery for a herniated disc and is recovering nicely; Matt Waldman has shifted to optimism after Bob Harris made a compelling case that the back issue is less concerning than perceived; was seventh in points per game in the season he went down, establishing elite tight end credentials. Leaporta is projected to be a solid number four option in Detroit's offense with 70–75 targets; could increase that role with an injury to one of the three receivers ahead of him (Amon Ra St. Brown at 130–150 targets, Jameson Williams at 130 targets, Jamir Gibbs at 80–90 targets); reaching 90–100 targets is possible if Gibbs is used more in the run game or one of the top three is injured, but unlikely to exceed that without significant roster changes.PositiveValueJul 13, 2026
LaPorta is being underrated at his current ADP around 7th among tight ends; he was TE1 as a rookie and seventh in points per game last year before injury, and his herniated disc repair is considered on the less worrisome end of back surgery outcomes.PositiveProjectionJul 13, 2026
LaPorta's production suffered due to injury and being in an offense with coordinator Drew Petzing, but his underperformance relative to Trey McBride is partly due to Detroit's more established wide receiver pecking order and superior quarterback play spreading the ball around more.NegativeValueJun 1, 2026
Bob Harris calls Sam LaPorta's 2023 rookie breakout season his best ever and predicts decline. He worries about back injury durability, questions his ability to start and finish the season, and projects only 12 games with 40–50 catches, making him non-viable as a fantasy tight end despite being TE7 in PPG when healthy. LaPorta is being drafted around tight end 7–8 in current ADP, which is too high relative to his injury risk. Matt Waldman believes LaPorta is overpriced in the 7–8 round range and that 'we may have seen the best of Sam LaPorta,' preferring to wait on later-round tight end options like Mark Andrews.PositiveProjectionApr 6, 2026
Sam LaPorta has strong potential to be the most productive rookie tight end in 2026 if he lands in the right team fit. He possesses strong hands, size, and the ability to win the ball downfield; he has skill after the catch for a big guy and can block in line. His speed and quickness are sufficient to win on seam routes. A two-tight-end scheme with emphasis on the run game—such as Atlanta using him as the inline tight end alongside Kyle Pitts in a detached role—could unlock his full potential.PositiveProjectionApr 6, 2026
Sam LaPorta could be the most productive rookie tight end in 2026 if he lands in the right team fit. He has strong hands, can win the ball downfield, possesses skill after the catch for a big guy, can block in-line, and has enough speed and quickness to win on seam routes. An ideal scenario would be Atlanta using him as the inline tight end in a two-tight-end, run-heavy look, allowing Kyle Pitts to operate as a detached option.