Brad Holmes isn’t backing down from one of the most head-scratching moves the Lions made in the 2025 NFL Draft — trading up to select wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the third round. Many draft analysts pegged TeSlaa as a late Day 3 pick at best, yet Holmes saw enough to grab him at No. 70 overall.
TeSlaa’s college production was modest — just 28 catches for 546 yards and three scores last season at Arkansas — but his elite athletic profile has Holmes convinced he can be a serious weapon. At 6-foot-3, 214 pounds, TeSlaa clocked a 4.43 40-yard dash and posted a near-40-inch vertical, earning a freakish 9.97 RAS score. Those traits were more than enough for Holmes, who called him his “favorite wide receiver in the draft.”
This isn’t about stats — it’s about upside. The Lions believe TeSlaa’s size and speed could add a new vertical dimension to the offense, and they’re betting on new offensive coordinator John Morton to help him thrive. He’ll battle for the WR4 spot behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Tim Patrick, but don’t be surprised if he climbs the depth chart quickly.
Holmes may have shocked fans with the pick, but make no mistake — he’s all in on TeSlaa’s potential.
Brad Holmes Isn’t Backing Down from Controversial TeSlaa Selection
