Lions add TE with underdog grit to back Sam LaPorta

The Detroit Lions completed the 2026 NFL draft by adding several post-draft signings, including Tennessee tight end Miles Kitselman to bolster the group behind franchise star Sam LaPorta. Kitselman, who tallied 26 receptions and 253 receiving yards in his final season with the Volunteers, is viewed by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein as a tight end with good size and in-line or move-blocking potential, though he may project as a TE3 or TE4. Zierlein also noted Kitselman’s upside in space, highlighting his speed and ability to stress coverage, which could complement Detroit’s dynamic receiving tight end room.

The signing underscores the Lions’ “underdog grit” approach, aligning Kitselman’s mentality with the team’s culture and the 2026 draft class’s depth. The article emphasizes Kitselman’s competitive mindset and his fit with Detroit’s improving pass-catching option at tight end, while suggesting the coaching staff will need to maximize the talent brought in this offseason.

Beyond rosters, the piece also spotlights Sam LaPorta’s personal story, noting that LaPorta and his wife once met Pope Leo XIV, a moment highlighted as part of the tight end’s broader personal journey. This narrative adds context to LaPorta’s leadership and character as the Lions build around him.

Key Takeaways:
– Lions add Miles Kitselman to support Sam LaPorta, emphasizing depth and versatility at tight end.
– Kitselman brings a blend of blocking willingness and receiving potential, projected as TE3/TE4 with upside in space.
– The move reinforces Detroit’s underdog ethos and the impact of the 2026 draft class on the team’s future.
– Personal anecdotes about LaPorta’s life, including meeting the Pope, illustrate the character and leadership surrounding the Lions’ tight end corps.