Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Lions TE Sam LaPorta breaks rookie record with TD

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/7/24

Detriot Lions rookie Sam LaPorta has already blossomed into one of the best tight ends in the league.

Against the Minnesota Vikings (7-9), Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw a two-yard TD to the second-round pick out of Iowa, who broke a rookie reception record for TEs (82), which was previously held by Keith Jackson (81). The play also gave the Lions a 7-0 lead with 8:06 remaining in the first quarter.

Sam LaPorta breaks the TE rookie reception record (82) with this TD!

: #MINvsDET on FOX
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/X0vcyHUoyR pic.twitter.com/j4kjDKcKsJ
— NFL (@NFL) January 7, 2024

.@Lions TE @Samlaporta has established the new #NFL record for receptions in a season by a rookie TE, passing the previous record of 81 set by Keith Jackson in 1988.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/KnyxHObM8X
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) January 7, 2024

LaPorta is part of an excellent draft class that helped the Lions (11-5) capture their first division title in 30 years. He and rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs have surpassed 2,000 scrimmage yards and 20 TDs, the first rookie class to do this in franchise history.

The @Lions have topped 2,000+ scrimmage yards and 20+ scrimmage TDs in a season from a rookie class for the first time in franchise history.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/TwlcuYFQrs
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) January 7, 2024

It appears the Lions have built a solid winning foundation. They've acquired stars who could help the franchise become a perennial championship contender. As of Sunday, FanDuel gives them the eighth-best Super Bowl odds (+1900).

More must-reads: