The Detroit Lions are in the midst of OTAs, and it's been a tremendous opportunity for the new acquisitions to acclimate themselves with the organization. This is an exciting rookie class, to say nothing of the free agents, and it's a monumental moment as the Lions try to build toward a Super Bowl run.
While most of the team is reeling from the stunning retirement of All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, the show must go on. One of the most exciting additions is third-round rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who quickly made himself a fan favorite with his admitted hatred of the Green Bay Packers.
An athletic freak, TeSlaa's rise has already seemingly made one veteran expendable once OTAs officially wrap up.
Lions Rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa Is Making Ronnie Bell Expendable
Ronnie Bell, who spent the beginning of his career with the San Francisco 49ers after a successful career at Michigan, joined the Lions this offseason. Unfortunately for him, TeSlaa is going to push him down the depth chart and make it difficult to find playing time.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tim Patrick are the established top options in the position room, then Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs are key pass-catching weapons as well. Receivers are competing to be, at best, the fifth option in the passing game, and TeSlaa has an early lead.
He stood out at rookie minicamp with his impressive downfield ability and willingness to block effectively. At 6-foot-4, he's got premier size as a wideout and represents significantly higher upside than Bell does. TeSlaa averaged a remarkable 19.5 yards per catch during his final campaign as a Razorback, and he brings a dynamic ability to the offense that Detroit needs.
For Bell, he still has an opportunity to carve out a role as a gadget player and special-teams contributor, though he'll face an uphill battle as a receiver. At this point, TeSlaa's addition has made Bell expendable, and the latter will need to prove throughout the summer that he deserves to make the 53-man roster.