Chicago Bears final mock draft before the 2023 NFL Draft
103. Sam LaPorta, TE, Iowa
Scouting Report. TE. Iowa. 878. Pick Analysis. Sam LaPorta . 103. player
Fields receives yet another target in Sam LaPorta. While the Chicago Bears have Cole Kmet and Tonyan, they both become free agents at the end of the season. With LaPorta, they have a tight end under contract for four seasons.
Additionally, LaPorta gives the Bears’ offense some quality backup.
Iowa has a history of producing good NFL tight ends and that tradition continues with LaPorta. He is athletic and is able to align in different places — tight end spot, slot, outside, and even in the backfield.
In addition to challenging defenses with his route running, LaPorta is also a good blocker. He can give the offensive line some help and could help open holes in the running game.
Once he gets the ball, LaPorta is difficult to bring down. He has good strength and can give defenders a good stiff arm and knock them down. He will provide a nice, big target, especially when it comes to the red zone. With three big tight ends and effective wide receivers, opposing defenses won’t be able to cover everyone. That makes things easier for Fields to find the right man in the end zone.