Isaac TeSlaa Already Turning Heads in Detroit
The Detroit Lions made one of the biggest splashes of the 2025 NFL Draft when they jumped up 32 spots to snag wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, a Michigan native out of Arkansas. It was a bold move, and one that might pay off sooner than expected.
From Hudsonville to the SEC
TeSlaa isn’t a household name yet, but his road here has been steady. Over two seasons at Arkansas, he caught 62 passes for 896 yards and five touchdowns. His 2024 season stood out: 28 receptions, 545 yards, and three touchdowns, good for a whopping 19.5 yards per catch. He ranked #5 in the SEC for Receiving Yards Per Reception.
Those numbers didn’t just show consistency, they highlighted his ability to stretch the field. For a Lions offense looking for depth behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, that trait mattered.
Isaac TeSlaa
Why Brad Holmes Made the Move
The Lions gave up pick No. 102 and two future third-rounders to move up to No. 70 for TeSlaa, while also gaining a pair of sixth-round picks. GM Brad Holmes made it clear they weren’t willing to wait.
Holmes recalled watching TeSlaa at the Senior Bowl:
“Just saw how he was in the run game in the team periods. Just his blocking and his size and he was just being a pest, and he was pissing off the DBs and defenders.”
Holmes also praised TeSlaa’s physical gifts and versatility:
“You see a guy that’s big, long, smooth strider, can accelerate, can run. He’s a hands catcher. He plays special teams and can block. He can do a lot of things.”
That versatility, making plays as a receiver, blocking in the run game, and contributing on special teams, is exactly what Detroit has valued under Dan Campbell.
TeSlaa wasted little time showing what he can do. In his first NFL game at Lambeau Field, he made a jaw-dropping one-handed grab for his first career touchdown. The Lions fell 27–13 to the Packers, but TeSlaa’s highlight stood out as one of the night’s few bright spots.
Looking Ahead
With his combination of size, skill, and competitive fire, Isaac TeSlaa has the makings of a long-term contributor in Detroit. His rookie debut was just the beginning, and as he continues to grow in the offense, the Lions hope he’ll be a cornerstone in their receiving corps.
For now, TeSlaa has already captured the attention of fans, and if his first touchdown is any indication, this is only the start of something special.