Detroit Lions Star Tight End Sam LaPorta Cracks NFL Top 100 List at No. 94, More Lions Set to Follow Soon

The NFL’s annual countdown of the Top 100 Players always sparks debates, surprises, and celebrations across fan bases, and this year is no different. For Detroit Lions supporters, the 2025 edition of the prestigious list is off to an exciting start. Talented tight end Sam LaPorta has officially claimed his spot among the league’s elite, landing at No. 94 overall. It’s a deserved recognition for a player who has rapidly become one of the most dangerous weapons in Detroit’s offense and one of the top tight ends in all of football.

LaPorta’s appearance in the Top 100 serves as yet another reminder that the Lions are no longer a team fighting for relevance—they are a franchise brimming with ascending talent, national respect, and sky-high expectations entering the 2025 season. And LaPorta’s placement at No. 94 may only be the beginning for Detroit, with more Lions expected to appear as the countdown rolls on this week.

For LaPorta, this recognition is a testament to his breakout campaign and growing status within the NFL. After being drafted by the Lions with the 34th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Iowa Hawkeye wasted no time establishing himself as a key contributor. His rookie season turned heads, but it was his second year in 2024 that propelled him into league-wide stardom.

LaPorta finished the 2024 season with 86 receptions for 911 yards and nine touchdowns, making him not only one of quarterback Jared Goff’s most reliable targets but also one of the most productive tight ends in the entire league. His combination of size, route-running precision, strong hands, and run-after-catch ability made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses. Whether stretching the seam, finding soft spots in zone coverage, or breaking tackles after short completions, LaPorta proved to be the total package.

But it’s not just the numbers that earned LaPorta his Top 100 selection—it’s the way he impacts games in critical moments. His clutch performances in key divisional matchups, red zone dominance, and ability to convert crucial third downs have made him an invaluable piece of Detroit’s offensive puzzle.

For a Lions team that boasts one of the NFL’s most balanced and explosive offenses, LaPorta’s versatility is irreplaceable. Head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have crafted a system that maximizes LaPorta’s skill set, regularly using him in creative formations and mismatches to exploit defenses. Whether aligned in-line as a traditional tight end, flexed out wide, or operating from the slot, LaPorta creates headaches for defensive coordinators every single week.

His impact isn’t just felt in the passing game. LaPorta has quietly developed into a reliable run blocker, a trait that fits perfectly with the Lions’ hard-nosed, physical identity. Detroit’s offense thrives on its ability to dictate terms at the line of scrimmage, and LaPorta’s willingness to get his hands dirty in the trenches complements star offensive tackles Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker beautifully.

The NFL Top 100 list is voted on by the players themselves, making it one of the most respected individual honors in the sport. LaPorta’s placement at No. 94 reflects the respect he’s earned from peers and opponents across the league. For a player entering just his third NFL season, cracking the Top 100 is no small achievement—it speaks to both his current production and his enormous potential.

Lions fans have every reason to be excited, not just about LaPorta, but about the strong possibility of seeing multiple Detroit players appear as the countdown continues. Over the past two seasons, general manager Brad Holmes has assembled one of the deepest, most talented rosters in football—a fact that should be reflected heavily in this year’s Top 100 rankings.

Superstar right tackle Penei Sewell is a virtual lock to appear in the rankings, having already established himself as arguably the premier offensive lineman in football. His rare blend of athleticism, strength, and technique anchors Detroit’s offensive line and sets the tone for their dominant ground attack.

Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, coming off an electric Pro Bowl season where he surpassed 1,500 yards from scrimmage and found the end zone 14 times, is another likely candidate to earn Top 100 honors. His big-play ability, versatility, and game-breaking speed have made him one of the league’s most exciting young offensive stars.

Veteran wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, fresh off another 100-catch season, is expected to secure a well-deserved spot on the list. His precise route-running, elite hands, and relentless work ethic have made him a fan favorite and one of the most consistent pass-catchers in the NFL.

Defensively, Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is all but guaranteed to appear. The former No. 2 overall pick has quickly blossomed into a dominant force off the edge, recording double-digit sacks in back-to-back seasons and becoming the face of Detroit’s resurgent defense.

There’s also a growing belief that safety Kerby Joseph could sneak into the Top 100 after his breakout year patrolling the secondary. Joseph’s ball-hawking instincts, physicality, and knack for creating turnovers have elevated Detroit’s defense and made him a rising star.

The possibility of multiple Lions appearing on the NFL Top 100 Players list is a reflection of how far this franchise has come in such a short time. Just a few seasons ago, Detroit was mired in mediocrity, searching for direction and respect. Fast forward to today, and the Lions are not only legitimate Super Bowl contenders but also a team stacked with recognized, high-level talent across both sides of the ball.

Sam LaPorta’s No. 94 ranking is a symbol of that progress. It validates the Lions’ investment in him and reinforces the belief that Detroit’s offense is built to thrive for years to come. LaPorta has already exceeded expectations, and his Top 100 recognition suggests that his best football is still ahead.

As the countdown of the NFL’s Top 100 Players continues throughout the week, Lions fans will be watching closely to see which of their stars join LaPorta on the list. More importantly, the growing presence of Detroit players among the NFL’s elite only adds to the belief that this team is ready to deliver on the promise they’ve shown.

Dan Campbell’s group is no longer the league’s best-kept secret. The Lions are for real, and the rest of the NFL is taking notice. LaPorta’s Top 100 selection is just the latest confirmation that Detroit’s rise is legitimate, fueled by a roster packed with difference-makers ready to lead the franchise to new heights.

Stay tuned—this week’s Top 100 reveals could be just the beginning of a massive year for the Honolulu Blue