Detroit Lions fans have every reason to be buzzing about rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. He was the most electrifying addition to the 2025 squad, though his limited opportunities left some wanting more.
But let's cut him some slack-head coach Dan Campbell has a history of gradually integrating skill position players, and with stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams ahead of him, TeSlaa had a tough lineup to crack.
Heading into his second year, expectations are on the rise. Campbell had nothing but praise for TeSlaa at the NFL Combine, highlighting his maturity and growth over the season.
"He made some plays when we called his number," Campbell noted. "He did the dirty work and improved from game one to the last.
There's no doubt he'll take a step forward in camp this year."
With St. Brown and Williams secured for the long term, TeSlaa has a prime opportunity to cement himself as the WR3.
The Lions face some decisions in the wide receiver room, especially with Kalif Raymond hitting free agency. This could open the door for TeSlaa, with Tom Kennedy potentially stepping in as a return specialist.
TeSlaa is certainly a favorite to grab that WR3 spot, but don't expect the Lions to hand it to him without a fight. They'll likely bring in competition through free agency and the draft, pushing TeSlaa to earn his place.
His rookie season was nothing short of a highlight reel. General manager Brad Holmes traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to snag him, and TeSlaa quickly justified that decision.
He burst onto the scene with a standout preseason and carried that momentum into Week 1 with a jaw-dropping one-handed touchdown against the Packers. He followed it up with another spectacular catch in Week 2 against the Bears.
Despite finishing the season with just 16 receptions for 239 yards, TeSlaa made them count-six of those catches were touchdowns, tying him for second among rookies. To put that in perspective, the next fewest receptions among his peers with similar TD numbers was 41 by Houston's Jayden Higgins.
As the Lions head into next season with a new offensive coordinator and hopes for a stronger offensive line and defense, all eyes will be on TeSlaa. If his rookie year was any indication, fans are in for a treat every time he steps onto the field.