As we approach three weeks after the NFL Draft, the news cycle has generally slowed down, especially regarding the league’s biggest draft stories this year. However, the Detroit Lions seem to remain in the spotlight, particularly after making a surprising selection of one of the more intriguing prospects much earlier than expected.

Isaac TeSlaa, the wide receiver from Arkansas now with the Lions, continues to raise eyebrows from analysts after Detroit traded two third-round picks for a player who recorded just 28 catches in 2024.

The Lions added some depth at the position, complementing Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. But the question remains: how much of an impact can a projected Day 3 pick realistically have on Detroit’s offense?

In his latest report for ESPN, senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler explained that one of the key reasons TeSlaa rose so high in the draft was his performance in two bowl games—the Hula Bowl and Senior Bowl—where he impressed teams like the Lions and showed he could be a potential draft gem if used correctly.

Fowler noted that TeSlaa “had to scramble” to secure invitations to both bowls before the NFL Combine, where he performed well enough to attract attention. His combine showing—running a 4.43-second 40-yard dash—cemented his status as a top prospect.

“…Once teams saw him up close, they scheduled interviews and dug into why he didn’t see more action at Arkansas. It wasn’t due to attitude or work ethic issues—his personality stood out during the process, making him a favorite of Detroit GM Brad Holmes. His low production in college was mainly due to poor communication and inexperience at quarterback,” Fowler wrote.

Fowler also mentions that both the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills showed interest in TeSlaa, two teams the Lions leapfrogged in the third round.

Detroit has a history of selecting under-the-radar players, and TeSlaa may turn out to be one of those picks, especially with a more established quarterback and offense to help him thrive. One thing is clear from this report: TeSlaa is committed to working hard to carve out a role on this team, just as he put in the effort to earn those crucial bowl appearances.