Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, regarded as one of Brad Holmes’ most debated selections in the last four drafts, is shaping up to be a key contributor this season. TeSlaa impressed enough during OTAs to grab hold of the valuable WR3 spot on the depth chart, jumping ahead of Tim Patrick and Khalif Raymond.

The ex-Arkansas Razorback was a surprising third-round draft choice. Holmes traded up 32 spots from pick No. 102 in a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, giving up Detroit’s 2025 third- and sixth-rounders, along with a pair of third-round picks in 2026. With pick No. 70 in hand, Holmes used the sixth pick of the third round to take TeSlaa. The choice caught analysts off guard. Evaluated at the Combine as “a solid backup with starter upside,” TeSlaa had been projected for the fourth or fifth round.

Still, Holmes has shown a sharp eye for discovering undervalued players. Based on his track record in past drafts, questioning his belief in TeSlaa—whom he referred to as “my favorite wide receiver in the draft”—might not be smart.

TeSlaa’s college numbers at Arkansas—62 catches, 896 yards, and five touchdowns—didn’t turn many heads, mostly because he spent only two seasons there. He began his collegiate path at Division II Hillsdale College in Michigan, where his father also played as a wideout.

There, TeSlaa was the team MVP, racking up 68 catches for 1,325 yards and 13 scores, dominating against smaller competition. He won the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year award before transferring to Arkansas. The move put him in a deeper pool of wideout talent, making it harder to stand out. Competing in the slot and sharing targets contributed to his decline in catches and scores.

Even so, Holmes remained confident in TeSlaa’s potential. He led all receivers at the NFL Combine in Athleticism Score, earning a top mark of 96. TeSlaa also impressed during a Top 30 visit by wearing a custom Lions jersey. Holmes openly addressed the public reaction, saying, “The pick people probably questioned the most was Isaac TeSlaa. I won’t say he was the best wideout in the class—but he was definitely my favorite.”

TeSlaa signed a rookie deal worth about $6.6 million over four years and has already started turning heads. Standing at 6’4” and weighing 214 pounds, he stood out during minicamp thanks to his mix of size and speed. His physical build allows him to excel in contested catches and in blocking schemes. His 10-inch hands add to his reliability as a pass-catcher. He didn’t register a single drop in 2024, proving his elite catching ability.

TeSlaa earned multiple targets during OTAs and made them count. Coaches took notice. “I thought he did well with the reps we gave him,” said offensive coordinator John Morton. “It wasn’t a huge amount, but he put in the effort. What he absorbed in the meetings, he was able to bring to the field and apply.”

With limited changes to the offense from last season, Morton has many tools at his disposal. He doesn’t expect a major overhaul. The Lions’ potent offensive system will mostly remain intact, with minor refinements. Morton believes that success starts with the quarterback.

As a member of the 2022 coaching team, he already has a strong working relationship with Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff. The two have worked effectively together in the past. Morton also benefits from inheriting the NFL’s top backfield duo in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.

Morton’s receiver room is full of options, including Patrick, Raymond, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jamison Williams, and standout tight end Sam LaPorta. Gibbs is also a highly capable receiver. So, where does TeSlaa fit in?

His arrival won’t affect the target shares for St. Brown or Williams. He also won’t impact LaPorta’s role. Now healthy, LaPorta looks to build on a stellar rookie campaign that followed a slow beginning.

That said, TeSlaa might end up directly challenging Patrick for playing time. They have nearly identical builds—Patrick is 6’5” and weighs 210 pounds. Known for his deep-ball skills, Patrick posted 34 catches for 416 yards and three touchdowns last season.

His college production at Utah included 61 receptions for 888 yards and five scores. After a broken hand sidelined him for much of his first season, he returned in 2016 with 45 catches, 711 yards, and five touchdowns to lead the team.

Detroit sports personality Mike Valenti recently told Sports Illustrated, “I think by the end of camp, the Lions might see more upside from TeSlaa at the X-receiver spot than they do with Patrick. That doesn’t mean Patrick will be sidelined—he’ll still see targets. But the rookie has more speed and playmaking upside.”

Whether Morton goes with TeSlaa or sticks with Patrick, having both options available for the WR3 position is a great scenario for the Lions.