ALLEN PARK — The Lions traded up 32 spots in the third round Friday night to draft wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, who grew up in Hudsonville as a Lions fan.
In fact, he showed up at his pre-draft visit to the Lions wearing a Lions No. 10 Lions jersey with his own name across the back. This was a head-scratcher for GM Brad Holmes until he heard TeSlaa’s explanation that he had it since eighth grade and couldn’t imagine a better time to wear it.
Of course, that is not why he was drafted at 70th overall.
“Saw him at the Senior Bowl and hadn’t watched his film yet. Just saw how he was in the team periods, his blocking, his size, he was just being a pest, he was pissing off the DB defenders,’’ Holmes said. “Obviously it made me want to completely watch the tape. You see a guy who’s a big, long, smooth strider, can accelerate, can run, he’s a hands catcher. Can play special teams and block, he can do a lot of things.’’
TeSlaa spent three seasons at Division II Hillsdale College before transferring to Arkansas in 2023. He’s a big receiver (6-4, 214 pounds) who averaged 19.5 yards per catch in 2024 and ran a 4.3 in the 40 at the Combine where he opened more than a few eyes.
The Lions have a solid wide receiver group that includes Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but TeSlaa will add youth and another target for new offensive coordinator John Morton.
TeSlaa played mostly at slot in 2024 but Holmes said he has the tools to play outside.
“Obviously it’s been not only a dream to play in the NFL but to play for my hometown team, the team I’ve been rooting for since I was a baby,’’ TeSlaa said on a conference call. “So it’s an incredible feeling I’m ready to get to work, get to the facility and put the work in.’’
Holmes said that TeSlaa and right guard Tate Ratledge, who was drafted in the second round, were identified early in the process.
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