Detroit Lions fans were pleased with the team's 2025 draft last month, especially the selection of former Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in the third round.
TeSlaa has a chance to become an instant contributor in the Lions’ passing game on Day 1 and was Detroit GM Brad Holmes’ favorite wide receiver in this year’s draft class.
That said, not everyone is high on TeSlaa’s game and ready to crown him Offensive Rookie of the Year or a Pro Bowler. Ray Garvin, an NFL Draft content creator for Bleacher Report, went on Twitter/X over the weekend and commented on a video clip posted by the team that showed TeSlaa not creating separation from the defender at rookie minicamp.
“This can’t be inspiring if you’re a fan of the Detroit Lions,” Garvin said.
This can’t be inspiring if you’re a fan of the Detroit Lions https://t.co/cTOAs526EO
— Ray G (@RayGQue) May 10, 2025
As you can imagine, Lions fans on social media criticized Garvin for his comment as they believe you can’t make an overarching judgment on the rookie just based on one clip.
While the young wide receiver did not create separation between himself and the defensive back at minicamp, he still made a nice catch on the sidelines.
TeSlaa’s lack of separation is something that Lions should be concerned about. Heading into the NFL draft, the former Razorback wide receiver's play speed is average despite running a 4.43 40-yard dash, which is nothing to look down on at 6-foot-3, 211 pounds.
Isaac TeSlaa is a WR prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.97 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 11 out of 3441 WR from 1987 to 2025.
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) March 2, 2025
Splits projected, times unofficial.https://t.co/ZeBq0A5q6I pic.twitter.com/Lsue3G6W2w
However, it takes time for TeSlaa to accelerate, and his route running could be much improved in Year 1. Now granted, he won’t be asked to be the Lions’ No. 1 or No. 2 option at wideout, but he’ll need to win his one-on-one matchups inside or outside.
If TeSlaa can’t create separation against man or press, Goff will have to go elsewhere with the football. The rookie wide receiver knows how to get open against zone coverage, which helps. That said, getting that separation, whether 1 or 2 yards or 5 against man-to-man defense, is paramount.