Isaac TeSlaa scouting reports: What draft experts said about Lions third-round pick

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With their first two selections in the 2025 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions addressed the trenches, taking Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams in the first round (No. 28 overall) and Georgia guard Tate Ratledge in the second round (No. 57 overall).

Then, in the third round, Detroit turned their attention to a skill position and picked Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa with the 70th overall selection.

TeSlaa played quarterback at Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville, Michigan, before committing to Hillsdale College and switching to wide receiver. In three seasons with the Chargers, he appeared in 26 games, catching 118 passes for 2,116 yards and 20 touchdowns while earning All-G-MAC honors twice and G-MAC Offensive Player of the Year once.

In 2023, TeSlaa transferred to Arkansas, and he caught 62 passes for 896 yards and five touchdowns in 25 games over the last two years.

Detroit already has a strong top four wide receivers in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond, so TeSlaa will have to show out or see someone ahead of him go down to get significant playing time as a rookie.

After the selection was made, many were confused, considering most draft experts had him going on Day 3. To learn more about TeSlaa, let's take a look at what some draft analysts had to say about his game before the draft.

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LIONS ISAAC TESLAA PRE-DRAFT SCOUTING REPORTS

Lance Zierlein, NFL.com:

"TeSlaa is a big slot receiver whose stock might be on the rise after his performances during Senior Bowl week. He can mismatch smaller cornerbacks with his frame and play strength and is a reliable pass catcher when contested. He builds up speed as a vertical slot but isn’t sudden enough to simply uncover as a possession slot against tight man. TeSlaa’s ball skills and ability to work down the field from the slot should carry backup value for teams in the market for help at receiver."

Bill Miller, NFL Draft Buzz:

"TeSlaa's ceiling is significantly higher than his draft position will suggest. Teams looking for a matchup problem who can align both inside and outside should be circling his name on day three. His game translates immediately as a big slot who can punish smaller defenders over the middle while providing contested-catch skills in the red zone. The comparison that keeps flashing on tape is a poor man's Mike Evans – not as fluid or polished, but with similar physical traits and basketball-influenced ball skills.

What separates TeSlaa from other big-bodied receivers is his willingness to do the dirty work. Unlike many size/speed specimens who shy away from contact, he actively seeks it as a blocker and shows no hesitation working over the middle. His best NFL fit would be with a team employing a vertical passing game that can maximize his tracking skills downfield while developing his route precision.

Kyle Crabbs, The 33rd Team:

"Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa is a developmental talent with unreal raw ability. He plays the game with a physicality and edge that will help him find positive impacts on the game even when he’s without the football.

TeSlaa’s explosiveness athletically sets the stage for him to be a breakout player in the pros once he’s able to be developed more clearly than the role he filled at Arkansas the last two seasons afforded him. TeSlaa has great hands, toughness, and good open-field speed. However, the nuances of route running will be a work in progress. He’s likely worth the wait."