Why did Lions draft Isaac TeSlaa? Brad Holmes explains what attracted him to Arkansas WR

In what was one of the more surprising picks in the 2025 NFL draft, the Detroit Lions drafted Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, and they did so after a trade up that saw Detroit give up three third-round picks, including two from 2026.

The Lions did have a need at wide receiver, seeing as how Tim Patrick is on a one-year deal. But I'm not sure TeSlaa was on anyone's radar, at least in that spot. He wasn't highly ranked going into the draft and didn't post elite production.

After the Lions made their final pick of the night, general manager Brad Holmes took the podium for his press conference and explained what attracted him to the Arkansas product.

Why did Lions draft Isaac TeSlaa?

Holmes revealed that it was actually TeSlaa's blocking at the Senior Bowl that led to him watching more film and falling in love with the wideout.

"He was pissing off DBs and the defenders," Holmes said, per Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News, before adding that TeSlaa is a "big, long, smooth strider."

In what is just a hilarious note, Holmes also revealed that TeSlaa, a Michigan native, showed up to his pre-draft visit with the Lions donning a Lions jersey, which the Arkansas product had since the eighth grade.

Brad Holmes said Isaac TeSlaa showed up to his 30 visit wearing a Lions jersey, which he's had since the 8th grade.

After picking TeSlaa, the Lions have now made three picks in the 2025 NFL draft. Detroit took Ohio State defensive lineman Tyleik Williams in Round 1, and then Georgia guard Tate Ratledge in Round 2.

Looking ahead to Day 2, the Lions will be quiet for quite awhile, barring a trade. Detroit has no picks in the fourth and fifth rounds, but has a pair in the sixth and three in the seventh.

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