The Detroit Lions made a bold move in the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up 32 spots in the third round to select Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa — a player many analysts didn’t project going as high as No. 70.
According to a new ESPN report, the Lions weren’t the only team eyeing TeSlaa. Both the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills were reportedly impressed by his pre-draft workouts, and the Lions jumped ahead of them to make sure they got their guy. The Denver Broncos, who drafted another receiver just a few picks later, were also seen as a potential threat.
Lions GM Brad Holmes first noticed TeSlaa at the Senior Bowl, where the wideout’s physical run-blocking stood out. But without a strong showing at the Hula Bowl, TeSlaa might not have even reached that stage. Despite modest stats at Arkansas — just 62 catches over his final two seasons — TeSlaa’s combine performance, including a 4.43-second 40 at 6’4″, 214 pounds, helped elevate his draft stock.
Holmes reportedly loved TeSlaa’s personality and work ethic, viewing his college production as limited more by Arkansas’ quarterback struggles than by the receiver himself. Now, TeSlaa gets to live his childhood dream by suiting up for the team he grew up cheering for — and he’s eager to get to work at Ford Field, where he once played high school football as a quarterback.
Lions’ Bold Move: Why Isaac TeSlaa Was Worth the Big Draft Trade
