Isaac TeSlaa is the Detroit Lions' latest draft pick that could turn into so much more than just a 3rd round flier.
The rookie impressed in his NFL debut during the Lions' preseason bout against the Los Angeles Chargers a week ago, tallying two catches for 46 yards with great blocking and effort whenever he was plugged into the offense in a series. Not only did he impress in that game, but he's also been putting in the work during training camp this offseason.
According to Detroit Football Network reporter Justin Rogers, that hard work is leading to some first team reps for the rookie wide receiver, allowing him to get some work done against the elite cornerbacks featured in the Lions' locker room.
Lions' rookie is impressing in training camp
TeSlaa is seen as a bit of a wild card for the Lions, as he can really become a special teams ace or just a receiver used as a blocker on plays given his size and strength. At 6'4", TeSlaa is the perfect receiver to line up alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown (6'0") who can take larger defenders away from the star veteran.
TeSlaa can also just be used in earnest as a WR3 for Detroit. The top playmakers for Detroit in the wide receiving room are obviously Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Williams, though, only just had a breakout season in 2024 where he broke out for over 1,000 receiving yards just like St. Brown. He needs another similarly explosive season to establish himself as a consistent powerhouse for Detroit.
Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa had a violent block on Nick Whiteside in the end zone, paving the way for a Tom Kennedy touchdown. You could hear it from Grand Rapids. Offense was more pumped about the block than the TD. Scottie Montgomery LOVED it. TeSlaa was fired up.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 5, 2025
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TeSlaa can, therefore, still fight for some reps over Williams (or other veterans) if he proves to be ready to meet the moment against the Lions' defenders in camp. He can also be a great receiver in red zone situations given his hands, height, and athleticism. This could add another dimension to an already aggressive Lions offense now led by John Morton.
The rookie is going to get a ton more reps with three more preseason games left to play before Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. He and fellow rookie receiver Dominic Lovett have fans in the Lions organization. With Lovett having suffered an abdominal injury in camp ahead of the Lions' preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, though, TeSlaa might be getting an even greater amount of reps against Atlanta this coming Friday.