The Detroit Lions made an aggressive move in the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up to secure wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, a decision that is already paying dividends.
Speaking with local media, head coach Dan Campbell pointed to the third-round rookie as the most improved young player on the roster over the course of the season.
TeSlaa finished his rookie campaign with 15 receptions for 221 yards and an impressive six touchdowns. What has stood out most, however, is his ability to win contested catches and make plays in traffic, an area where he has exceeded expectations.
Campbell praised TeSlaa’s development, noting that no other young player has taken a bigger leap this year. He emphasized that while talent played a role in TeSlaa’s draft selection, his intelligence, toughness, instincts, and resilience are what have allowed him to thrive.
According to Campbell, the coaching staff steadily expanded TeSlaa’s responsibilities each week, asking him to handle multiple roles and line up at various positions.
The rookie’s growth didn’t stall after hitting the typical midseason learning curve either. Campbell explained that TeSlaa pushed through the so-called rookie wall and continued improving, a trait the organization values highly when evaluating long-term contributors.
Looking ahead, Detroit’s offensive direction remains uncertain, including who will be calling plays next season. Regardless of how that situation unfolds, the Lions’ wide receiver group appears well-positioned for the future. TeSlaa, alongside established weapons Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, gives the team a trio capable of becoming one of the league’s most dangerous units.
Campbell highlighted St. Brown as the tone-setter in the receivers room, crediting him for establishing the standard and culture that younger players follow.
Williams has also grown into a leadership role, and both veterans take pride in their preparation and celebrate their teammates’ success.
TeSlaa’s emergence has only strengthened that dynamic.
As he closes out his rookie season, Campbell noted that his continued progress has built trust—not just with coaches, but with teammates as well. That trust, Campbell explained, is what ultimately makes a young player feel fully accepted within the group.
By season’s end, TeSlaa has earned that status. In Campbell’s view, the rookie is no longer just a promising prospect—he’s firmly part of the Lions’ core moving forward.
