Lions finally get their X-receiver with Isaac TeSlaa, a classic example of Brad Holmes seeing more in a player than anyone else
After trading up in the second round to get an offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, the Lions traded up again to move to pick 70 and take Arkansas receiver Isaac TeSlaa TeSlaa grew up in Hudsonville in West Michigan, and initially started out playing receiver for Division II Hillsdale College. He transferred to Arkansas and played […]
After trading up in the second round to get an offensive lineman Tate Ratledge, the Lions traded up again to move to pick 70 and take Arkansas receiver Isaac TeSlaa
TeSlaa grew up in Hudsonville in West Michigan, and initially started out playing receiver for Division II Hillsdale College. He transferred to Arkansas and played tight end for them in 2023 and 2024.
Last season, he had 28 receptions for 546 yards and three touchdowns out of the slot. TeSlaa also showed some solid blocking ability, too. At the NFL Combine, he showed some really good speed with a 4.43 30-yard dash. He also had a 39.5 vertical, which was fifth among all receivers.
The Athletics' Dane Brugler had TeSlaa with a fifth-round grade and had this to say about TeSlaa in his scouting guide, The Beast.
"His freaky athleticism doesn’t always show within the context of the route. And though his pre-draft process was impressive, NFL scouts are left asking why the production and impact wasn’t better on tape. Overall, TeSlaa is still very much a work in progress with his route running and ability to create space, but the athletic tools and ball skills are exceptional, and the football character and toughness will help sway doubters. He projects as a depth receiver with upside on offense and special teams."
At 6-foot-4, he certainly has the size that the Lions are likely looking for when it comes to an X-Receiver, which is something the Lions have need for a long time now. While they have Tim Patrick, TeSlaa should be expected to immediately jump him for that WR3 spot. This move feels like a classic example of the Lions seeing more in a guy than the rest of the world does.
