Top 5 NFC North tight ends in 2023 ranked

3. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

Another rookie makes the top five. The Lions selected Sam LaPorta 34th overall in April's draft, just eight picks before Musgrave. Detroit liked LaPorta enough to draft him ahead of Notre Dame's Michael Mayer, who went one selection later to the Las Vegas Raiders.

After trading away T.J. Hockenson, the Lions needed a new difference-maker at the tight end position. That's where LaPorta comes in, and he should get significant reps early on.

"He is a thick, dynamic athlete with George Kittleian attributes after the catch. For real. LaPorta will be the most productive rookie tight end in a blast of an offense in Detroit this season," writes Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports.

Even with Jameson Williams entering year two and Marvin Jones returning to Detroit this year, LaPorta could end the season as the Lions' number two receiving target behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.

He is so reliable. Jared Goff can trust LaPorta to add yards after the catch. He will regularly turn short completions into significant first downs.

The Lions have one of the most exciting offenses in the league, and LaPorta should quickly become a key part of it. Like Musgrave, LaPorta will have a lot of opportunities in year one.