Analyst Criticizes Amon-Ra St. Brown While Targeting Isaac TeSlaa’s Draft Selection

The criticism of Detroit Lions’ rookie Isaac TeSlaa has reached new extremes, with many questioning the team’s decision to trade two third-round picks in the 2025 draft to acquire the relatively unknown wideout from Arkansas. While the Lions earned praise for selecting Amon-Ra St. Brown with the 112th pick in the 2021 draft—proving general manager Brad Holmes’ eye for talent—TeSlaa’s selection has faced much scrutiny.

Aaron Schatz of ESPN took it a step further in his draft analysis, casting doubt on TeSlaa’s potential as a playmaker at the professional level. He went as far as to suggest that, at best, TeSlaa might become a mere replica of St. Brown, which would not justify the Lions’ investment.

“TeSlaa scored practically nothing in my Playmaker Score evaluation for wide receivers. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranked him as the 17th best receiver and the 157th overall prospect. Despite that, Detroit traded two third-round picks in 2026 for him. He’s most likely just a backup version of Amon-Ra St. Brown.”

Although a player like St. Brown, who has accumulated 4,831 yards and 33 touchdowns over four seasons as a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, would be a great addition for any team, using his name in a dismissive context only adds fuel to TeSlaa’s fire. If he can emulate even a fraction of St. Brown’s success, the Lions will be thrilled. However, questioning TeSlaa’s abilities before he even sets foot on the field only intensifies the challenge he faces.

TeSlaa Must Use Draft Criticism to Drive His Development in Detroit

In many ways, TeSlaa has landed in the perfect situation. Not only does he get to play for the team he grew up supporting, but he will also have a prime opportunity to learn from one of the league’s most successful and hardworking receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown. Known for his incredible work ethic and determination, St. Brown has often said he keeps a list of every receiver drafted ahead of him. With TeSlaa now facing similar doubters, it’s likely that St. Brown will take the rookie under his wing and encourage him to turn the criticism into motivation.

Additionally, TeSlaa will have the chance to compete alongside other talented wide receivers such as Kalif Raymond and the highly motivated Jameson Williams. This environment of competition and camaraderie should push TeSlaa to continuously improve. With St. Brown as a mentor and a supportive team around him, TeSlaa will be eager to prove his worth—not just to the Lions, but to all the analysts who have doubted him.

At this point in his career, TeSlaa has all the fuel he needs to excel. The question now is how he will use it to develop, adjust to the professional level, and eventually contribute to the Lions’ success.