The Detroit Lions had a controversial 2025 NFL Draft, highlighted by five trades across three days. The move that most Lions fans are up in arms about is the move up to draft Arkansas receiver Isaac TeSlaa. To acquire TeSlaa, Detroit sent the Jacksonville Jaguars' pick No. 102 and two 2026 third-round picks.
Many questioned this move since TeSlaa never had a dominant season with the Razorbacks. Still, Detroit's front office clearly believes that he can develop into a threat. Assistant general manager Ray Agnew's recent comments prove this.
According to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News, on Thursday, Agnew said he loves TeSlaa's play style, "The blocking, the hands, he was born to be a Lion." He added, " [He's got] a ways to go, but the upside this kid has, he has the chance to be a really good player for us."
Lions Assistant GM Ray Agnew Highlights where Rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa Needs to Improve
Although fans may not have been enthused when Detroit drafted TeSlaa. Agnew's comments should give fans hope. Over the past three seasons, the Lions have built up a reputation for being a hard-nosed running team. Given that the first thing Agnew pointed out about TeSlaa's game was his blocking, he fits well within Detroit's culture.
That said, getting open and catching the ball is a receiver's main job, so acknowledging he must improve as a route runner is important. In two seasons with the Razorbacks, TeSlaa recorded 62 catches for 896 yards and five touchdowns. In 2024, he caught 28 passes for 545 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite most fans wanting to see a third-round pick make some sort of impact as a rookie, he doesn't have the burden of that much pressure. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams leading the receiver room, TeSlaa can spend his rookie year developing his route running.
Giving him a year to improve his route running could allow him to take over for Williams in a few seasons. Though Detroit exercised Williams' fifth-year option this offseason, his future beyond 2026 is unknown.
If TeSlaa can make significant improvements in his route running this year, he could see the field a lot in 2026. While fans have every right to question the pick of TeSlaa, the Lions seem to have a clear development plan for him.