Why Did the Detroit Lions Trade Up for Isaac TeSlaa in the NFL Draft?

In a bold and exciting move, the Detroit Lions traded up during the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft to grab Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa at No. 70 overall.

It might not have been the flashiest pick of the night, but if you dig a little deeper, it’s clear the Lions have a real plan — and they believe TeSlaa could be a serious part of their future.

Let’s dive into why Detroit made this move and what it could mean going forward.

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Who Is Isaac TeSlaa and Why Did the Lions Want Him?

Isaac TeSlaa isn’t exactly a household name — yet.

Originally from Hudsonville, Michigan, TeSlaa took an unconventional path to the NFL. He started at Division II Hillsdale College before transferring to Arkansas, where he faced much stiffer competition. His stats at Arkansas were modest — 62 catches and five touchdowns over two seasons — but that doesn’t tell the full story.

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TeSlaa is a physical marvel. At 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, he posted a blazing 4.43-second 40-yard dash and a 39.5-inch vertical at the Combine. His Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.93 out of 10 ranks him among the very best wide receiver athletes evaluated since 1987.

The Lions weren’t just drafting stats. They were drafting potential — and TeSlaa’s physical tools give him sky-high upside.

What Role Will TeSlaa Play in Detroit?

The Lions’ receiving corps is already full of speedsters and quick separators. What they’ve been missing? Size and physicality.

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TeSlaa is expected to help fill that gap. He projects as an X-receiver — the guy who lines up wide, wins tough contested catches, and contributes heavily in the run game with solid blocking.

At Arkansas, he showed he could play in tight formations and wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty blocking defenders — something the Lions’ coaching staff will absolutely love. In short, he fits the gritty, tough, team-first culture Detroit has been building under Dan Campbell.

Why Did Detroit Trade Up for Him?

Trading up to get TeSlaa shows just how much the Lions believe in his upside.

Sure, his college numbers didn’t blow anyone away. But finding a 6’4” wideout who runs a 4.43 and jumps 39.5 inches doesn’t happen often — especially one who’s also willing to block and play physically.

Detroit clearly sees him as more than just a depth piece. They see someone they can develop into a reliable starter who brings a different element to their offense. TeSlaa could eventually become a big-bodied target in the red zone or a chain-mover on critical third downs — areas where the Lions are always looking to improve.

What Should Fans Expect from TeSlaa’s Rookie Year?

Temper your expectations… for now.

TeSlaa likely won’t be a Day 1 starter. He’ll need some time to adjust to NFL speed and polish up his route-running. But his athletic profile gives him a real chance to carve out a role by the second half of the season, especially in red-zone packages or when the Lions want to throw jump balls outside the numbers.

Long-term, if the Lions’ coaching staff can unlock his potential, Isaac TeSlaa could end up being one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft.

Keep an eye on him — he’s got all the tools to turn heads.