Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta claimed the No. 94 spot on the 2025 NFL Top 100 list unveiled Thursday, continuing his streak among pro football’s elite and keeping the Sam LaPorta 2025 NFL Top 100 conversation active. This recognition comes on the heels of LaPorta’s impressive sophomore campaign, despite a noticeable shift downward from his previous ranking.
LaPorta’s Standout Season with the Lions
The NFL remained consistent with its gradual reveal of the annual Top 100 player rankings, this time placing LaPorta on the edge of the league’s top tier. Building on his success from a standout rookie year, LaPorta recorded 60 receptions for 726 yards and secured seven touchdowns during the 2024 season. His postseason performance also drew attention, as he made six snags for 51 yards, including a touchdown in Detroit’s <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC Divisional Round victory over the Washington Commanders.
Other Top 100 Players and Notable Moves
Surrounding LaPorta in the rankings, a number of fellow players made their own mark. Wide receiver Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons and running back Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings took the No. 97 and No. 98 spots, respectively. Just ahead of LaPorta, Josh Sweat of the Arizona Cardinals and Lavonte David of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers landed at Nos. 95 and 96. These placements show the high level of talent across the league, with each athlete contributing to his team’s performance in unique ways.
Current NFL Top 100 List Highlights
The full list of Top 100 players released so far demonstrates the NFL’s depth at key positions. Notable placements include:
100. Ladd McConkey, wide receiver, Los Angeles Chargers
99. Leonard Williams, defensive lineman, Seattle Seahawks
98. Aaron Jones, running back, Minnesota Vikings
97. Drake London, wide receiver, Atlanta Falcons
96. Lavonte David, linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
95. Josh Sweat, outside linebacker, Arizona Cardinals
LaPorta joins a prestigious group, down fourteen spots from his No. 80 spot a year earlier, a season that saw him earn a Pro Bowl selection.
Why LaPorta’s Production Shifted in 2024
While maintaining his place among the NFL’s best, LaPorta experienced a dip in his ranking compared to last season. Several roster changes contributed to this. Fellow Lion Jameson Williams ascended as a premier wide receiver, with his receiving yards surging from 354 to 1,001 and his targets more than doubling to 91 in 2024. Additionally, running back Jahmyr Gibbs assumed a more prominent role in both the running and passing games, further diversifying Detroit’s offensive strategy.
As a result, LaPorta enjoyed a higher average per catch, but fewer opportunities, reflecting the increased competition within the Lions’ deep offensive roster. Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown secured Pro Bowl spots, highlighting Detroit’s strength at multiple positions. Despite seeing less volume in the passing game, LaPorta’s consistent performance signifies his value and adaptability within a crowded field of skill players.
Outlook for LaPorta and the Lions
Remaining on the NFL Top 100 for a second consecutive year reinforces that Sam LaPorta’s reputation continues to hold strong, even with shifting team dynamics. As the Lions prepare for another campaign, his presence alongside emerging talents such as Jameson Williams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs makes Detroit’s offense one to watch. LaPorta’s future performance will be key as the Lions look to build on recent successes and continue pushing deep into the postseason.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Sam LaPorta good?
A. From Weeks 1 to 9, LaPorta ranked 20th in fantasy points per game, averaging 8.0 points.
Between Weeks 10 and 18, he moved up to seventh place, getting 13.8 points each game.
His receiving grade for the last two seasons is 83.6. This is strong, but it is only the sixth-best among tight ends.
George Kittle, Trey McBride, Mark Andrews, Brock Bowers, and T.J. Hockenson all have higher grades.