Las Vegas Raiders 2023 7-round Mock Draft: A backup for Derek Carr
Las Vegas Raiders 2023 7-round Mock Draft: Insurance for Darren Waller
878. . TE. Hawkeyes . Sam LaPorta. 112. player
Josh McDaniel, similar to Jon Gruden, loves to use multiple tight ends but has been limited in that regard due to Darren Waller’s inability this season. Foster Moreau has stepped up admirably as both a blocker and receiver but his main weakness seems to be catching the ball consistently.
Sam LaPorta is the complete opposite as he excels at catching the ball but is a bit of a liability as a blocker. That is the biggest weakness in his game but his ceiling as a pass catcher makes him an intriguing prospect and a potential impact player for the Raiders.
LaPorta led all Big 10 tight ends in 2021 in catches and receiving yards in 2021 with 53 and 670 respectively and is on pace to set new career highs if he features in Iowa’s bowl game. Iowa is a tight end factory with George Kittle, Noah Fant, and TJ Hockenson all coming out of the Big 10 school and LaPorta has a chance to follow in their footsteps.
If the Raiders add him to the offense he can play an H-back role and has the versatility to line up out wide or in the slot as well. Scouts note that he can run the entire route tree and is shifty enough to run routes typically reserved for wide receivers. He can make an impact right away as the third tight end and can provide further injury insurance for Darren Waller.