The Detroit Lions needed to address the wide receiver position during the offseason because they lacked a clear-cut number three. Neither Tim Patrick nor Kalif Raymond, the leading candidates, stood out in that role last year, as Patrick finished with 394 yards in 16 games, while Raymond had 215 in 12. Also, the Lions’ depth outside of their top four receivers is in question.
The Detroit Lions drafted an intriguing prospect on Day 2
The Detroit Lions drafted former Hillsdale Chargers and Arkansas Razorbacks Isaac TeSlaa 70th overall in the third round. TeSlaa is an intriguing prospect because he wowed scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine due to his athleticism, listing at 6-foot-4, 214 pounds, running an impressive 4.43 40-yard dash, a 1.51 10-yard split, as well as a 39.5″ vertical jump and a 10′ 9″ broad jump, and scoring a near-perfect 9.93 RAS. However, despite his athleticism, he wasn’t very productive with the Razorbacks, with only 896 yards and five touchdowns in the past two seasons.
Isaac TeSlaa had his best season with Arkansas in 2024. TeSlaa boasted career highs in receiving yards and touchdowns and had one of the highest yards per reception in the SEC, with 19.5 yards per clip. He hauled in 28 receptions for 545 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games.
He signed his rookie contract
According to Aaron Wilson, the Detroit Lions have signed Isaac TeSlaa to a rookie contract. As Wilson points out, the deal is for four years and is worth $6.654 million with a $1.486 million signing bonus, along with an additional $85,000 in workout bonuses from 2026 to 2028. Finally, TeSlaa is scheduled to earn $840,000 in Year 1, $1.117 million in Year 2, $1.42 million in Year 3, and $1.713 million in Year 4.
#Lions deal for third-round wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa: four years, $6.654 million, $1.486 million signing bonus, salaries $840,000, $1.117 million, $1.42 million, $1.713 million, plus an additional $85,000 total in workout bonuses from 2026 to 2028
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 20, 2025
Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report on the athletic freak
“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.”
