Why Controversial Lions’ Rookie Will Surprise Doubters

However, Holmes has a genius ability to spot underrated talent.  Given his previous draft track record, it’s probably not wise to question his opinion of TeSlaa as “his favorite wide receiver in the NFL Draft.”  

One of the reasons why TeSlaa’s collegiate stats of 62 receptions for 896 yards with five touchdowns at Arkansas didn’t stand out is he only played there for two years. TeSlaa initially began his collegiate career at Hillsdale College in Michigan, a Division II school, where his father was a wide receiver.

Named the team MVP, TeSlaa’s impressive production of 68 receptions for 1,325 yards with 13 touchdowns made him a big fish in a small pond. Voted the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, TeSlaa decided to transfer to Arkansas. However, joining the Razorbacks’ highly-rated receiving unit meant that TeSlaa was no longer the big fish. He was one of many talented receivers competing for targets. There was a corresponding drop in TeSlaa’s receiving yardage and scoring opportunities, perhaps because he was used primarily as a slot receiver.

Nonetheless, Holmes liked what he saw of TeSlaa. At the NFL Combine, he scored 1st in his Athleticism Score with a grade of 96. He also impressed Holmes when he showed up in his own customized Lions jersey at his Pre-Draft Top 30 meeting. Holmes acknowledged that his trading up to draft TeSlaa was a controversial move, “The pick that was probably the most questioned, I would say, was Isaac TeSlaa. I can say that he was my favorite wide receiver in this draft. I’m not saying he was the best wide receiver in the draft. But favorite wide receiver in the draft? Yes.”

Does TeSlaa Live Up To The Rookie Hype?

Signed to a Lions rookie contract worth approximately $6.6 million over four seasons, TeSlaa began proving his doubters wrong. At 6’4” and 214 lbs, he stood out at the minicamp with his size and speed. His large frame gives him an advantage in contested catches and blocking. TeSlaa’s sizable 10” hands make him a very dependable receiver. In 2024, he didn’t drop a single ball, highlighting his superior ball-handling skills.  

During OTAs, TeSlaa was targeted often and made the most of his opportunities. He impressed the Lions’ coaching staff.  “I thought he did a really good job for what we were doing,” said offensive coordinator John Morton. “It wasn’t a lot, but he tried. He’s taking from what he learned in the meeting room out, and (he) went on the field and he was doing it.”

Where Does TeSlaa Fit Into Lions Offense?

With few changes from last year’s offensive roster, Morton has a wealth of talent to design an offense around. He doesn’t anticipate many changes. The Lions’ high-powered offense will look similar to last year after a bit of fine-tuning and some subtle changes. Morton believes a good offense starts with the quarterback. As part of the Lions 2022 coaching staff, he has a previous connection with MVP-caliber quarterback Jared Goff.  Morton and Goff worked extremely well together in the past. In addition, he inherited the NFL’s best tandem running back duo in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.  

Along with Patrick and Raymond, Morton has a roomful of talented receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jamison Williams, and tight end Sam LaPorta. Gibbs is also a terrific pass-catcher.  So, where does Lions’ rookie TeSlaa fit into the equation? The addition of TeSlaa won’t impact St. Brown or Williams’ target share. He won’t take away targets from LaPorta. Fully recovered from his injury, LaPorta will look to build upon his superior rookie performance after last year’s slow start.

However, TeSlaa could find himself in competition with Patrick. The two share a similar physique. Patrick is 6’5″ and 210 lbs. Regarded as a deep ball threat, Patrick had 34 receptions for 416 yards with three touchdowns a year ago.  Patrick also had similar numbers in college with 61 catches for 888 yards and five touchdowns at Utah. After breaking his hand mid-way through his first year, he missed 17 games but came back in 2016 to lead his team with 45 catches for 711 receiving yards, and five touchdown receptions.

Detroit sports radio host Mike Valenti speculated to SI, “I really think that when camp is done, the Lions will feel they can get more out of TeSlaa at that X-receiver spot than they can with Patrick. That doesn’t mean Patrick is not going to get targets; he will. I just think the rookie brings more speed and more opportunities.” 

Whether Morton ultimately chooses TeSlaa or Patrick, having both of these men to choose from as the Lions’ solid third receiving option is a good problem to have.