By Sunday 
Detroit Lions fans were buzzing when the team traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to snag Isaac TeSlaa—a relatively unknown wide receiver out of Arkansas. It was a move that caught a lot of people off guard. Now, just ahead of the Hall of Fame Game, the buzz is back—but for a different reason entirely.
The 68 That Raised Eyebrows
This week, Madden 26 dropped its rookie ratings, and TeSlaa didn’t exactly get the digital love you’d expect for a third-round pick. With a 68 overall, the Lions’ investment in TeSlaa suddenly feels like it’s being questioned by the video game world.
Sure, his 91 speed rating shows respect for his straight-line wheels, but the rest of the numbers tell a different story: 65 strength, 64 awareness, and no standout skills that scream “immediate impact.” To make it sting a little more, he’s tied with fellow Lions rookie Ahmed Hassanein, a raw pass rusher who’s only been playing football for four years.
Hype vs. Highlights
The reality is, there’s just not a ton of tape on TeSlaa. Limited college reps and even less media coverage have kept him in the shadows. But the Lions clearly saw something worth moving up for. Whether it was his red-zone potential, physicality, or route-running upside, Detroit believed. And Thursday night’s Hall of Fame Game against the Chargers is shaping up to be his first big audition under the lights.
A Crowded Room and a Chip on His Shoulder
With a jam-packed wide receiver room in Detroit, the odds aren’t exactly in TeSlaa’s favor. But that might just be the fuel he needs. Rookie ratings rarely change fast—but ball out on Thursday, and that 68 could be ancient history by next season.
Madden might not be sold on Isaac TeSlaa yet. But the Lions? They bet the draft board on him. And it’s about time we find out if that gamble pays off.