Saturday, May 3, 2025

Lions Draft Pick #70 WR Isaac TeSlaa

Scouting Reports:








Video:

TeSlaa secures second two-point conversion reception:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/teslaa-secures-second-two-point-conversion-reception

Articles:

Former Unity Christian standout emerges as NFL Draft sleeper (4-24-25):  https://www.woodtv.com/sports/former-unity-christian-standout-emerges-as-nfl-draft-sleeper/

Identifying prospects as 'my guys' in the 2025 NFL Draft (Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas - TeSlaa is a special one because he's a local for me. I watched him lead Hudsonville Unity Christian HS to a state football title playing quarterback. I watched him as an integral part of a Michigan state champion high school basketball team that same year, too. While the Grand Rapids area isn't lacking in NFL representation, TeSlaa brings a lot of wattage to our corner of Ottawa County.  None of that would matter if TeSlaa (not pronounced like the famed innovator or the car) couldn't play. He can. Arkansas didn't quite know what it had, using his 6-foot-4 frame as a big slot. I think he's a natural X in training who can contribute right away on special teams and subpackages with starting upside.) (4-21-25):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/04/21/2025-nfl-draft-prospects-who-earn-my-guys-status/83186823007/

2025 NFL draft: Louis Riddick's favorite prospects, sleepers (Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas - TeSlaa is going to be a problem for opponents as a slot receiver at the next level. His size (6-foot-3, 214 pounds), speed (4.43) and explosive movement traits make him a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field. Despite his bigger frame, he can get off the line with good foot quickness, hits another gear when he gets to the third level and tracks the deep ball well. TeSlaa also shows the body control in the short/intermediate pass game to get separation against man coverage, along with the instincts to uncover when facing zone.  He ultimately finished last season with 28 catches for 546 yards and three scores. But with size, speed, hands, after-the-catch upside and the ability to put defenders on the ground as a blocker, the lack of big-time production doesn't phase me. I like his skill set a lot, and I'm watching for TeSlaa to come off the board by the end of Round 2.) (4-19-25):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2025/story/_/id/44687183/2025-nfl-draft-riddick-favorite-prospects-class-sleepers-ward-hunter-carter

NFL draft sleepers: Which players could be surprise gems? (WR Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas:  A former high school quarterback and Division II standout at Hillsdale College before transferring to Arkansas in 2023, TeSlaa might be one of this draft's ultimate developmental players. At 6-4 and 214 pounds, he creates mismatches as a downfield threat who can be trusted to pluck passes away from his body and in contested-catch scenarios. But trouble with his releases and creating separation could keep him in the big slot role he's accustomed to, unless he learns how to beat press coverage consistently and shake defenders underneath. Yet a patient approach to his development could yield a massive payoff for a team willing to cater to his strengths.) (4-15-25):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2025/04/15/nfl-draft-sleepers-2025-gems-steals-donte-thornton/83081544007/

2025 NFL Draft: Top playmaking wide receiver prospects (7. Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas Razorbacks: 16.7%
Targets: 36.  “Big-Time” Catches: 6.  2024 PFF Receiving Grade: 70.5.  PFF Big Board Rank: 112.  TeSlaa caught 28 passes for 532 yards, 20 first downs and three touchdowns in 2024. He recorded six big-time catches with two plays of 50-plus yards on which he gained more than 30 yards after the catch. Three of his catches came against doubled looks, including an 11-yard touchdown over an outstretched defender against Louisiana Tech in Week 13.) (4-15-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2025-nfl-draft-top-playmaking-wide-receiver-prospects

Ex-NFL GM gives favorite pro comps for draft prospects (Isaac TeSlaa - Wilson's comparisons: Cooper Kupp (third-round pick, current team: Seattle Seahawks) and Jauan Jennings (seventh-round pick, current team: San Francisco 49ers).  While Wilson admitted that he "almost certainly" doesn't think Isaac TeSlaa will be Cooper Kupp at the next level, the size and being a big target in the middle of the field were his reasons for the comparison. In terms of not necessarily testing well but being used as necessary, Wilson made a second comp to Jauan Jennings.) (4-12-25):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-predictions-former-nfl-gm-gives-his-favorite-pro-comparisons-for-prospects-in-the-2025-class/

2025 Detroit Lions draft preview: Plenty of WR options available (Notable Day 3 players - Pat Bryant (Illinois), Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas), Jaylin Lane (Virginia Tech).  At 6-foot-2, 204 pounds, Bryant has WR-X potential and a pair of very reliable hands to go with him. He was also described by his offensive coordinator as a “warrior” and “everything that’s good about football.”  The Lions brought in TeSlaa for a top-30 visit, which should immediately draw some extra attention. He’s also a WR-X candidate given his size (6-foot-3, 214)—although he mostly played as the big slot in college. After three years at Hillsdale, he saw his production drop significantly with the Arkansas Razorbacks (351 yards, 546 yards in 2023, 2024). Still, his athletic traits are rare at his size (4.43 40-yard dash), he’s got a reputation as tough, and he could also contend for the returner job.) (4-11-25):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2025/4/11/24405619/2025-detroit-lions-draft-preview-plenty-of-wr-options-available

Bills host WR prospect with size, speed and maybe the best name in draft class (4-10-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/bills/news/draft-wr-30-visits-isaac-teslaa-with-size-speed-and-maybe-the-best-name-in-class


2025 NFL Draft: Sikkema's favorite player comps (TeSlaa, Banks, Williams, Bryant) (4-8-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2025-nfl-draft-sikkema-favorite-player-comps

Lions 2025 draft: A wide receiver prospect for every round (Sixth round: Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas - Former D-II standout at Hillsdale who spent his final two seasons at Arkansas, TeSlaa is an athletically gifted big wideout (6-foot-4/214) from West Michigan who is more of a developmental prospect.  What I like:  Height-weight-speed athlete with high-end NFL Scouting Combine testing that shows on the field.  Natural catcher of the ball away from his frame.  Effective, high-effort blocker.  Strong and secure hands in traffic over the middle.  Creative after the catch and offers some gadget-play and return specialist versatility.  Explosive leaper with innate timing to go get the ball.  Negatives:  Played almost exclusively in the slot at Arkansas but might project better as an outside receiver--which could cause transition issues at the next level.  Change of direction skills on the field don't match his athletic testing.  Rounds his routes and his footwork lacks crispness and urgency from the slot.  Gets pushed off his line a little too easily for a bigger receiver.  Oddly short arms (31 inches) for a 6-foot-4 target)) (3-29-25):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2025/03/29/lions-2025-draft-receiver-prospects-burden-ayomanor-detroit/82671234007/

One WR Lions Could Target in Every Round of NFL Draft (Sixth round - Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas.  After dominating Division II competition at Hillsdale in Michigan, TeSlaa took his talents to the SEC and suited up for Arkansas for his final two seasons. His numbers were modest, with 896 career receiving yards, but his athleticism is quite intriguing.  TeSlaa's tape is full of highlight-reel contested catches, and 54.2 percent contested catch rate is evidence of his ability to make plays in tight quarters. The Hudsonville native has tantalizing athletic traits and would be a nice investment with plenty of potential.) (3-23-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/one-receiver-lions-target-every-round-2025-draft

What the Tape Says About Receiver Workout Warriors (Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas - What He Did: TeSlaa showed some fairly amazing athletic juice for a guy standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 214 pounds. in Indianapolis. He ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash with a 1.51-second 10-yard split, and those are numbers you'd find acceptable from receivers three inches shorter and 30 pounds lighter. His 39.5-inch vertical jump tied for third among receivers with the aforementioned Tai Felton, and his 4.05-second short shuttle was the best among receivers. His Athleticism Score of 96 was third-highest overall at the combine, regardless of position, and he showed both his speed and agility in combine drills.What It Means: In 2024, TeSlaa caught 28 passes on 36 targets for 532 yards and three touchdowns. On passes of 20 or more air yards, he caught seven passes on nine targets for 277 yards and two touchdowns. On passes of 10-19 air yards, he caught 10 on 14 targets for 162 yards and a touchdown. So, this is a guy you'd expect to be able to win in the intermediate and deep areas of your passing game.  That all checks out. TeSlaa benefited from some... ummm... "favorable" coverages in which he really wasn't covered, but when he was, he showed not only the speed and agility implied by his combine numbers, but also some nasty cuts and impressive route subtleties. He's not just a big guy who runs fast.  TeSlaa finished his two years at Arkansas with 62 catches on 100 targets for 883 yards and five touchdowns. If he goes to a receiver-needy NFL team, that's what his rookie season might look like. ) (3-18-25):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2025-nfl-draft-receivers-jaylin-lane-jaylin-noel-scouting-combine

Insider notes on Syracuse & Arkansas' Pro Day: Top NFL Draft prospects that stood out ft. Landon Jackson (#3 Isaac TeSlaa - Isaac TeSlaa stood on his combine numbers, which included 4.43 seconds in the 40, 4.05 seconds in the short shuttle, 6.85 in the three-cone and a vertical jump that hit 39.5 inches.  TeSlaa met with the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday evening and is receiving interest from the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans and Seattle Seahawks.  Both TeSlaa and Armstrong were graded as low-level free agents entering the season, but now they grade as middle-round prospects.) (3-18-25):  https://www.sportskeeda.com/college-football/news-insider-notes-syracuse-arkansas-pro-day-top-nfl-draft-prospects-stood-ft-landon-jackson

2025 All-Combine Team, Offense: Quinshon Judkins, Luther Burden III among standouts in Indianapolis (Isaac TeSlaa - Best team fits: Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, Green Bay Packers.  With Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka and Travis Hunter not participating in workouts, it was admittedly difficult to find true standouts from this receiver group. TeSlaa, however, was one of very few who combined elite-tier testing results (he notched a Next Gen Stats athleticism score of 90) with a quality on-field showing. His workout didn't feature many wow moments but was full of clean, precise reps and included a very nice sideline grab in the final stages of the session. He simply kept popping up positively in my notes throughout, and I'm curious to see how teams will value his testing results -- which included a 4.43 40 at 214 pounds, a 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-9 broad -- alongside the tape.) (3-3-25):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2025-all-combine-team-offense-nfl-draft


TeSlaa Puts on Athletic "Freak" Show at NFL Combine (3-2-25):  https://www.si.com/college/arkansas/football/teslaa-puts-on-athletic-freak-show-at-nfl-combine

2025 NFL Draft: Top takeaways from the quarterback, running back, wide receiver on-field testing at NFL Scouting Combine (DAY 3 RECEIVERS BROWN, THORNTON, NEYOR AND TESLAA SEE THEIR STOCK RISE - The NFL values size, strength and speed — so teams take notice when big receivers outperform smaller ones in athletic testing at the Scouting Combine. That now appears to be the case for four receivers: Sam Brown (Miami, FL), Dont'e Thornton (Tennessee), Isaiah Neyor (Nebraska) and Isaac TeSlaa (Arkansas).  TeSlaa, meanwhile, had one of the best all-around combine performances. Measuring 6-foot-3 ½ and 214 pounds, he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash, posted a 39.5-inch vertical, a 10-foot-9 broad jump and showcased elite agility with a 6.85 three-cone drill and a 4.05 short shuttle. He’s a true do-it-all athlete who made a strong case for himself ahead of draft weekend.) (3-2-25):  https://www.pff.com/news/2025-nfl-draft-top-takeaways-from-the-quarterback-running-back-wide-receiver-on-field-testing-at-nfl-scouting-combine

2025 NFL Combine Insider Notes: 9 WRs, RBs, and QBs who stood out ft. Quinn Ewers (Wide Receivers who stole the spotlight - Isaac TeSlaa/WR/Arkansas: The Arkansas senior had a complete combine workout. He started by timing 4.43 seconds in the 40 with a 10-yard split of 1.51 seconds, outstanding marks for a 214-pound receiver. He hit 39.5 inches in the vertical and 10-foot-9 in the broad.  While TeSlaa was not the quickest route runner on the field, he was one of the better pass catchers. He displayed great eye/hand coordination, easily tracked the ball in the air, and made receptions in all kinds of contorted positions. He’s fluid with soft hands, and TeSlaa wowed all in attendance with a great over-the-shoulder reception as the workout was finishing.) (3-2-25):  https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/2025-nfl-combine-insider-notes-9-wrs-rbs-qbs-stood-ft-quinn-ewers

Michigan native’s ‘crazy journey’ from Division II receiver to NFL draft prospect (3-2-25):  https://www.mlive.com/sports/ann-arbor/2025/03/michigan-natives-crazy-journey-from-division-ii-receiver-to-nfl-draft-prospect.html

NFL Combine: 5 WRs Who Can Raise NFL Draft Stock (Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas - Isaac TeSlaa took advantage of his opportunity this past season after transferring from Division II Hillsdale College to Arkansas. TeSlaa totaled a modest 28 receptions for 546 yards and three touchdowns, saving the best for last, a 3-107 line in the Liberty Bowl victory over Texas Tech. He was a Senior Bowl standout and is expected to vertical jump roughly 40 inches and broad jump above 10-5, per The Freaks List. A 40-yard dash time in the mid 4.4s would represent a quality result for a 6-foot-2, 212-pound receiver who is an all-around football player.) (2-24-25):  https://www.thedraftnetwork.com/2025/02/24/nfl-combine-wrs-raise-nfl-draft-stock-2025

Late-Round Prospects Who Could Impress Lions at 2025 NFL Combine (Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa - A Michigan native who hails from Hudsonville, TeSlaa had a strong start to his collegiate career that led to his transfer to Arkansas. He's an exceptional athlete whose tape is littered with highlight catches.  Listed at 6-foot-4, TeSlaa recorded 896 receiving yards and five touchdowns across two seasons with the Razorbacks. He has the athletic traits to perform well in Indianapolis, and his ability in contested catch situations is a skill that is hard to find.) (2-24-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/late-round-prospects-who-could-impress-lions-2025-nfl-combine

Eight Wide Receivers Lions Should Watch at NFL Combine (Isaac TeSlaa, Arkansas - Rounding out this list is one of the more intriguing athletic prospects in this year's crop and a player with Michigan ties. A Hudsonville native, TeSlaa began his career by dominating at D-II Hillsdale before entering the transfer portal and landing at Arkansas.  The wideout had modest production, but what stands out about TeSlaa is his abundance of athletic traits. He excels with the ball in the air, winning 50-50 balls by outjumping cornerbacks and tracking the ball at a high level.  TeSlaa will need some development to fully reach his potential, and is currenty projected to be a day three pick. However, he could really boost his stock by testing well, and could be a solid developmental fit for the Lions, who have traditionally taken chances on athletic players who need some seasoning but also have high ceilings.) (2-20-25):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/eight-wide-receivers-lions-should-watch-2025-combine

Experts Clarify NFL Draft Stock for Teslaa, Jackson amid Senior Bowl Struggles, Successes (2-4-25):  https://www.bestofarkansassports.com/arkansas-football-nfl-draft-experts-isaac-teslaa-landon-jackson-senior-bowl/

Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa Raises NFL Draft Stock at Reese's Senior Bowl (2-3-25):  https://athlonsports.com/college/arkansas-razorbacks/arkansas-wr-isaac-teslaa-raises-nfl-draft-stock-at-reeses-senior-bowl

10 potential Eagles targets that stood out the most during the 2025 Senior Bowl (Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa - TeSlaa had a solid week, and during the game, he had 19- and 16-yard receptions, along with a two-point conversion. He's a smooth route runner for a 6-2, 217-pound wideout.) (2-2-25):  https://theeagleswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/eagles/2025/02/02/eagles-targets-2025-nfl-draft-reeses-senior-bowl-standouts/78158581007/

2025 Senior Bowl Takeaways (2-1-25):  https://www.seniorbowl.com/2025-senior-bowl-takeaways/

One Position Group Makes Liberty Bowl Worth Watching from Arkansas Perspective (Isaac TeSlaa
- NEEDS TO BE SEEN:  TeSlaa came to Arkansas with the best hands in the game and that's still the case. Seeing him drop a pass is like seeing an albino buck deer on opening day of deer season.  It's probably happened, but no one is going to believe whoever claims to have personally witnessed it. His only issue was getting separation.  While it was a problem last season, TeSlaa has grown both in speed and as a route runner. That's why fans got so frustrated through much of the year as he ran open on numerous plays, but wasn't getting seen by new quarterback Taylen Green.  Now that SEC leading receiver Andrew Armstrong is off getting ready for the NFL, Green no longer has his crutch. Armstrong often blinded him from seeing TeSlaa, so it will be interesting to see how dominant the tandem can be now that Green should be willing to look for him.) (12-27-24):  https://www.si.com/college/arkansas/football/razorbacks-hogs-liberty-bowl-texas-harrison-teslaa-easter-brown-sec

Red Raiders Mount Second-Quarter Comeback, Trail Razorbacks 24-19 at Half (After the kickoff, Taylen Green hit Isaac TeSlaa for 18 yards to start the drive, then TeSlaa got free for a 56-yard reception to the TTU 1. That set up Braylen Russell for a one-yard touchdown run to push the score to 14-3 Arkansas.) (12-27-24):  https://athlonsports.com/college-football/texas-tech-red-raiders-arkansas-razorbacks-liberty-bowl-halftime-recap-update-news-score

TeSlaa's Big Game Could Have Been Monster, Offers Hope for Hogs Going Forward (10-2-24):  https://www.si.com/college/arkansas/football/teslaa-razorbacks-green-armstrong-petrino-sec


2024 Shrine Bowl Week 3 CFB Preview: All eyes on Malachi Corley, Joe Milton, Spencer Rattler, and KJ Jefferson (It’ll be interesting to see if Jefferson and senior receiver Isaac TeSlaa continue to torture defenses, as TeSlaa averages 19.5 yards per catch this year.) (9-14-24):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2024-shrine-bowl-week-3-cfb-draft/
Posted by LionsFan at 2:52 PM

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