The Detroit Lions drafted Isaac TeSlaa in 2025 as a potential Tim Patrick replacement. He was a severely under-utilized wide receiver while with the Arkansas Razorbacks, and Detroit clearly saw his potential as a ball-magnet with excellent hands and a wide catch radius. We caught some minor glimpses of those very skills with his ridiculous one-handed catches throughout the season.
97.1 FM's Scott Anderson recently spoke about TeSlaa ahead of his second season with the Lions and in the NFL, and the radio host said that he expects to see a breakout year from the projected WR3.
"Let's see why they traded up for you, right? Let's see why you were so sought-after. When they lost Tim Patrick, they lost that big frame, wide catch radius, receiver. If Sam LaPorta is slowed down at all, I'd like to see them use TeSlaa's big frame more. All that draft capital they used for him, I think sometimes it takes a rookie a year or two, this is year two for TeSlaa, I think you do some damage. So, I'm going to keep an eye on him during the OTAs."
Lions' Isaac TeSlaa could see a big year if Sam LaPorta isn't 100%
To Anderson's point, LaPorta's back issues from last season should be of some minor concern for Detroit and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Petzing loves to utilize tight ends, but if LaPorta can't be as productive as he was in his rookie or sophomore season, TeSlaa stands to get more of his touches. The receiver has shown he can be a reliable target both downfield and in short yardage situations.
TeSlaa finished up his 2025 season with just 239 receiving yards, but he averaged 14.9 yards per catch and had six total touchdowns on the year. He was healthy for Detroit, as well, suiting up for all 17 of their games. That's a huge plus for him, as the Lions' health has held them back over the last few seasons.
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General manager Brad Holmes told reporters after the 2025 NFL draft that TeSlaa was his "favorite wide receiver" available, adding, "I'm not saying he was the best wide receiver in the draft. But favorite wide receiver in the draft? Yes."
Holmes has to hope that his gamble on TeSlaa, which cost him two third-rounders, works out. With Patrick long gone and Kalif Raymond also off the roster thanks to the Chicago Bears, TeSlaa may never have a clearer path to playing time.
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