Entering the 2025 NFL season, Detroit Lions fans had high aspirations for Isaac TeSlaa. The rookie wide receiver looked like a massive steal during the preseason, and his combination of athleticism, secure hands, and physicality made him seem like a perfect complement for their wide receivers' room.
However, offensive coordinator John Morton rarely made the most of his skills, and while he still showed flashes of greatness when actually given a chance, his rookie season was slightly disappointing.
That's why, now that he's got a year of experience under his belt and a new offensive coordinator is in town, the fans should brace themselves for the Isaac TeSlaa show. He might even jump Jameson Williams in the depth chart.
The Lions must give Isaac TeSlaa more opportunities in Year 2
TeSlaa didn't need a ton of touches to prove that he can be a disruptive player. In fact, his very first NFL grab was an acrobatic, highlight-reel-worthy touchdown reception in the season-opening loss to the Green Bay Packers.
His ability to make adjustments mid-air and contour his body makes him deadly in contested catch situations, and Jared Goff would be wise to put his insane catch radius to the test early and often in his second season.
Despite playing just 312 snaps as a rookie, TeSlaa turned his 16 receptions on 27 targets into 239 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged a whopping 14.9 yards per reception, and nearly half of his catches went for six points.
TeSlaa is a strong, physical, and fast pass catcher who can be a perennial mismatch in the end zone. He's the type of guy who can make quarterbacks look good with ridiculous catches that would be incompletions most of the time.
The Lions have a clear pecking order, with Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way. Sam LaPorta might be more involved next season, given how much new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing loves using tight ends, but TeSlaa has a legitimate opportunity to be their next man up.
Jameson Williams has been inconsistent and has yet to have the breakout season most fans have expected. He's still a dangerous guy in the open field and a perennial big-play specialist, but mental miscues might cost him a spot in the pecking order if TeSlaa makes the most of his chances.
The Lions will be in for revenge after a fairly disappointing campaign, and with a contested-catch machine constantly making his presence felt in the end zone, not using him more often in Year 2 would be a disservice to the offense.
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