By Sunday 
When the Detroit Lions made the bold move to trade up and grab Isaac TeSlaa in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, plenty of eyebrows were raised—and not necessarily in a good way. But just a few days later, the conversation is already starting to shift. Let’s break down why experts blasted the move at first, and why some are starting to regret those hot takes.
Critics Weren’t Impressed at First
The Lions didn’t just casually move up; they sacrificed three third-round picks to jump from No. 102 to No. 70. That’s a hefty price, and it didn’t take long for the critiques to start flying.
Jordan Reid of ESPN didn’t hold back, calling it his “worst in-draft trade.” He pointed out that while he liked TeSlaa as a prospect, he didn’t believe the wide receiver was worth the steep trade-up cost. In his words, “The Detroit Lions trading up 32 spots to take receiver Isaac TeSlaa early in Round 3 was an overpay.”
Pro Football Focus (PFF) wasn’t feeling the love either. Analyst John Kosko flagged the selection as one of his biggest reaches on Day 2, noting that TeSlaa was ranked much lower on most consensus boards. According to Kosko, “While he possesses the ideal size, his lack of production against better competition indicates he needs more time to develop.”
Translation? The critics saw a Division II transfer with limited big-stage production and thought Detroit had reached.
A Second Look: Maybe the Lions Were Onto Something
Fast forward just a couple days, and the mood is already softening.
PFF analyst Sam Monson, for one, admitted he changed his mind after rewatching more tape on TeSlaa. The Lions’ aggressive move caught his attention enough that he gave the player a deeper look—and he realized there might be more to the story.
TeSlaa’s journey—from Hillsdale College to Arkansas and now to Detroit—means he isn’t the typical household name. But Monson’s quick turnaround shows just how dangerous snap judgments can be during the chaos of the draft.
Sure, TeSlaa might need some time to develop, but history tells us that underrated, under-the-radar players often make the biggest waves once they find the right fit. Plus, knowing that TeSlaa is a genuine fan of the team? That’s the kind of chip on your shoulder you can’t teach.
Why Lions Fans Should Be Excited
At the end of the day, the Lions didn’t draft Isaac TeSlaa just for his college stats—they’re betting on his raw athleticism, size, and work ethic to translate in their system. It’s a gamble, no doubt. But if he pans out, Detroit could have a future weapon that silences every doubter who questioned the move.
And honestly? Betting on a hungry, overlooked guy who’s ready to prove himself feels very Detroit.