**Why Lions Rookie Isaac TeSlaa Might Just Prove Everyone Wrong**
When the Lions picked wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the third round of the NFL Draft, a lot of people were scratching their heads. It wasn’t just a surprise pick—it was *the* pick that no one saw coming. But so far, TeSlaa is turning doubters into believers.
At OTAs, TeSlaa looked strong—so strong, in fact, that he might already be claiming the WR3 spot on the depth chart. He’s reportedly ahead of veterans Tim Patrick and Khalif Raymond. That’s not bad for a guy many thought wouldn’t go until the fourth or fifth round.
Lions GM Brad Holmes clearly saw something special. He traded up 32 spots just to get TeSlaa at No. 70 overall, calling him his “favorite wide receiver in the draft.” Not the best—just his favorite. And when Holmes says he sees potential, it’s hard to argue given his drafting track record.
TeSlaa’s journey isn’t the usual one. He started at Division II Hillsdale College, where he was a star—68 catches, over 1,300 yards, and 13 touchdowns. After transferring to Arkansas, his numbers dropped, but it’s not like he fell off. He just became one of several good receivers instead of *the* guy, and he mostly played out of the slot. Still, he put up a solid 62 catches for 896 yards and five scores.
At the NFL Combine, TeSlaa turned heads with his athleticism—he scored first in the Athleticism Score with a 96. And he made a pretty bold move by showing up to his pre-draft visit in a custom Lions jersey. Holmes loved it.
Now signed to a four-year, \$6.6 million rookie deal, TeSlaa is showing he’s ready to roll. He’s 6’4″, 214 pounds, with huge 10-inch hands—and he didn’t drop a single pass in 2024. Coaches are already noticing his effort and attention to detail. Offensive coordinator John Morton said TeSlaa’s doing all the right things and learning fast.
So where does TeSlaa fit in Detroit’s stacked offense?
The Lions aren’t planning big changes—Jared Goff is still at the helm, and their two-headed backfield with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs is elite. They’ve also got reliable targets in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jamison Williams, and tight end Sam LaPorta. But there’s room for a WR3, and that battle looks like it’ll come down to TeSlaa vs. Tim Patrick.
Patrick is taller (6’5″) and has solid experience, but he’s also dealt with injuries. TeSlaa, on the other hand, has youth, speed, and momentum. Local sports radio personality Mike Valenti thinks the Lions might lean toward TeSlaa by the end of training camp, especially at the X-receiver spot.
Whether or not he beats out Patrick right away, TeSlaa is making it hard for the Lions to ignore him. And if he keeps trending upward, that controversial draft pick might end up looking like a steal.
“Why the NFL’s Most Talked-About Rookie Could Be Detroit’s Secret Weapon”
