Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Love seeing this. Glad I have 2 shares.
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WR Isaac TeSlaa, DET (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Faust
- Start date
Moonlight
Footballguy
Biggest concern I've seen about him
Biggest concerns about him that I've seen are related to change of direction and particularly deceleration running routes. He was probably miscast as a big slot but does seem to better suited at X running goes and crossers. Still has time to improve.
2Young2BBald
Footbaldguy
The free fbgs league from last year evolved into a full on dynasty league this year. Using in Brad we trust which got me in the playoffs last year I took this kid in round 3 of 4 of the rookie draft and am loving his potential uptick
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Drumbeat intensifies 
Donnybrook
Footballguy
So Gibbs doesn't count.
Gibbs wasn't a project.
bluemanfoo
Footballguy
Or LaPorta who was drafted in the beginning of the second when he was projected to go in the third.
Although the trade up for TeSlaa has been widely criticized, as a Lions homer, have learned never to doubt Brad Holmes, especially the picks that are universally panned as reaches...
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It's early of course, but this pick is looking pretty damn good right now. He's made some impressive catches in both practice and the games.
Ilov80s
Footballguy
Gibbs and LaPorta weren't projects. Gibbs was projected to go round 1. Yes the Lions taking him where they did was a surprise but a projected 1st round pick went 1st round. As for LaPorta, he was player #43 on ESPN's big board. He went pick 34. Not really a reach or a project. Both of them were super productive studs at big time programs. Teslaa was coming off a senior season with 28 receptions, 3rd on his own team. The size and speed was tantalizing but I don't think many viewed him as NFL ready. He was ESPN's 157th player and went 70th.
So far Holmes has fallen in love and traded up to get players who most analysts saw as reaches and guys who needed a lot of development: DT Brodric Martin, OT Giovanni Manu, RB/S Sione Vaki and ofc Teslaa. Despite the injuries at DL, Martin is still projected to not make the team. He's been a total dud. Manu is entering year 2 and even Dan Campbell has said he's having more downs than ups this training camp. And Vaki is likely going to finish 4th at best on the RB depth chart.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
Another possibility is they they extend Jamo and just keep TeSlaa at the X receiver where he is currently backing up Tim Patrick. Either way he is trending towards starter status by 2026 or even earlier.
Added: Jamo 5th year option was picked up so his contract runs through the 2026 season.
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Matt Harmon
Who is Isaac TeSlaa, the Lions surprising third-round WR getting plenty of preseason buzz? His #ReceptionPerception prospect profile can give you the answers
While he was a slot-only player without much production at Arkansas, the Lions are trying to try transition him to X-receiver. There are indicators in his profile that point to why it may work out.
Full profile:
receptionperception.com/isaac-teslaa-2…
rockaction
Footballguy
I bet he’s third on the depth chart by halfway through the year or he’s being used defensively. He’s too good of a player to remain off the field.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
massraider
Footballguy
ARSB, Jamo, LaPorta, Gibbs.
Teslaa owners, what exactly is your path to fantasy relevance for this guy?
Teslaa owners, what exactly is your path to fantasy relevance for this guy?
smbkrypt24
Footballguy
This year or in general?
beef
Footballguy
The real question is what path are defenses going to take to stop them?!
Just stash and wait like I do with most 3rd round or later rookie picks. The opportunity will come. I'm not hoping for or expecting much this year.
Probably not much this year barring injury but he's going to get some snaps, especially in the red zone. All I know is he's been pretty damn impressive in both games and practices. Long-term, he has a ton of upside.
Smack Tripper
Footballguy
If I get him to score 2-3 times in best ball as a 20th rounder, he was worth it
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Only thing Lions were really missing is a big WR red zone target. St and Williams are on the smaller sides. LaPorta and Tessla together will create some matchup issues.
Problem with the Lions is there a lot of mouths to feed. Gibby, Monty, St Brown, Williams, LaPorta, Tessla might be the last dog at the bowl.
Problem with the Lions is there a lot of mouths to feed. Gibby, Monty, St Brown, Williams, LaPorta, Tessla might be the last dog at the bowl.
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Ilov80s
Footballguy
True though Amon Ra has always been really good in the red zone.
massraider
Footballguy
Think this is only scenario I see for any kind of foreseeable future.
Yup, this is the giant caveat -
In a redraft league, probably near undraftable unless a very deep league.
Dynasty league certainly worth a stash
Best Ball (assuming the tourney style with no waivers) he is certainly worth a late round flyer, especially if part of a Goff stack or a McCarthy week 17 bring back
JoeSteeler
Footballguy
Detroit Lions WR Isaac TeSlaa will be receiving more work with QB Jared Goff and the first-team offense moving forward after performing well with the second-team offense, according to head coach Dan Campbell.
SOURCE: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
SOURCE: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
BlackCrowes
Footballguy
Big fan
TampaMike19
Footballguy
don’t think the Lions want to let Jamo go but they saved themselves a few million in negotiations probably. Or even a franchise tag in 2027 is possible for Jamo. Dynasty wise this guy has a long way to go due to the logjam but everything’s been glowing so far
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
On August 2, 2022, Patrick suffered a torn ACL during practice, which prematurely ended his season.
On July 31, 2023, Patrick was reported to have suffered a torn achilles during practice and that ended his season
On August 26, 2024, the Broncos announced that they would be moving on from Patrick, seeking to trade him and instead they simply cut him
Tim Patrick is currently listed as one of the 3 starting WRs in Detroit, the rumors are he's getting cut and the rookies are moving up the depth chart.
Still Assume its ARSB-La Porta-Jamo for targets before any thought of a rookie WR, I would be more inclined to think he makes a bigger splash in '26 or if the Lions decide not to pursue an extension with Jamo, I wouldn't fault the Lions but I also think they can find trade partners for Jamo, he's got some special talent
Teslaa will have a few eye catching big plays this year but I would not be rostering him right now in redraft leagues
On July 31, 2023, Patrick was reported to have suffered a torn achilles during practice and that ended his season
On August 26, 2024, the Broncos announced that they would be moving on from Patrick, seeking to trade him and instead they simply cut him
Tim Patrick is currently listed as one of the 3 starting WRs in Detroit, the rumors are he's getting cut and the rookies are moving up the depth chart.
Still Assume its ARSB-La Porta-Jamo for targets before any thought of a rookie WR, I would be more inclined to think he makes a bigger splash in '26 or if the Lions decide not to pursue an extension with Jamo, I wouldn't fault the Lions but I also think they can find trade partners for Jamo, he's got some special talent
Teslaa will have a few eye catching big plays this year but I would not be rostering him right now in redraft leagues
I'll believe it when I see it. I think it's more speculation than anything and kind of the local beat writers has said anything about that.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
another day another TD
33 yard go ball easy peasy
his day is likely done 2-41-1 on 2 targets
TDs in last 3 preseason g
33 yard go ball easy peasy
his day is likely done 2-41-1 on 2 targets
TDs in last 3 preseason g
His size, strength, and athleticism will be a touch matchup for a #3 CB. In the Miami game, he used size and muscle on the sideline TD catch. He also got separation on routes over the middle. That TD showed some speed and tracking skills. It's preseason - but is he better than Patrick?
Kyle Allen looking good for 3 consecutive games. He looked better than Hooker in the Miami game.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Hooker getting cut Tuesday unless someone gives them a 7th
He’s better than TP (as is 7th Rounder Dominic Lovett and UDFA Jackson Meeks) but doesn’t matter
At least to start the year it will be Patrick at the X and Kalif Raymond will be WR3/4
But at some point they’re gonna need the rookies; TeSlaa (6’4 214) and Meeks (6’2’ 218) are both physical guys who run block
we never keep 7 WRs but I think they will this year
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Dan Campbell:
“Beautiful route, great throw, every time he does something like that he not only gains the confidence of the coaches but his teammates, too. That’s huge.
We’ve had him for 6 weeks in minicamp and TC and his development has been upper echelon. It’s not easy to develop fast at that position in this league but he’s done everything we’ve asked and then some.
He’s like any young player, there are going to growing pains here and there. There’s a place for him early in the season.”
“Beautiful route, great throw, every time he does something like that he not only gains the confidence of the coaches but his teammates, too. That’s huge.
We’ve had him for 6 weeks in minicamp and TC and his development has been upper echelon. It’s not easy to develop fast at that position in this league but he’s done everything we’ve asked and then some.
He’s like any young player, there are going to growing pains here and there. There’s a place for him early in the season.”
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Should also note that beat writers have pointed out Isaac is beating backups in these games & practices. He has struggled versus (the much improved) Terrion Arnold & DJ Reed.
He’ll be in the mix but has a ways to go before he earns a role.
He’ll be in the mix but has a ways to go before he earns a role.
Jacob's Ladder
Footballguy
But to be fair, with St. Brown. Williams. LaPorta and Gibbs out there, the 3rd WR will sometimes be drawing the 5th best cover guy on the field.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
That’s exactly how Tim Patrick describes his own role. “I have to [beat] the 4th best cover guy? Bet.”
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rockaction
Footballguy
So freaking in with the 4.01 in a ten-team dynasty league. I nearly jumped when the guy with 3.10 took DJ Giddens. Serendipity!
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Tim Patrick traded to the Jags for a 6th round pick
Buy
Buy
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
With Tim Patrick shipped he is the starting X WR on the highest scoring team in the NFL.
His job is now to beat the 4th or 5th cover guy on the defense.
Things change fast, eh. He’s worth a later round pick in redraft now.
Well now this changes everything. I cant wait to see this kid play regularly. They clearly see something special. I am not expecting anything crazy as a rookie, but it will be fun to watch.
Ari Meirov
Isaac Teslaa stock = up only
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
Unexpected trajectories: TeSlaa's rise, Patrick's decline allow Lions to pull trigger early on rookie WR
pronounced teh-SLAW
Allen Park — A variation of a signature hand motion said it all.
Following the Detroit Lions’ second preseason game, coach Dan Campbell was asked about rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa’s performance. The answer started slowly, with a typical preseason clichés about improvement, before Campbell began talking with his hands, something he often does.
“I would say ever since we put pads on, he’s been trending this way,” Campbell said, flattening his right hand and moving it along an imaginary incline.
You probably know the move. It’s a Campbell classic, which has become a popular GIF after he did it on an episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
But the difference with Campbell’s TeSlaa answer is the incline was closer to 70 degrees than 30. It looked more like the coach was talking about the newest rollercoaster at Cedar Point.
The kid wasn’t merely developing as expected; there was an imaginary jetpack strapped to his back.
And to TeSlaa’s credit, he never slowed down during the stretch run of the offseason, scoring touchdowns in each of the next two games, including a pretty deep ball over his back shoulder for a 33-yard score in the finale.
After that contest, Campbell declared TeSlaa ready to help the Lions early in the upcoming season, something that wasn’t expected after the team moved up to draft him in the early stages of the third round in April.
The original vision saw the Lions leaning on Tim Patrick another year while TeSlaa acclimated to playing outside after being primarily used in the slot during his two seasons at Arkansas.
Patrick had been a godsend for Detroit the previous season. After failing to find a viable third receiver during last training camp, the Lions picked the veteran up after he was let go by the Denver Broncos.
At the time, it was still unclear if Patrick had anything left in the tank. He had missed the previous two seasons with serious injury — a torn ACL and Achilles — but had flashed signs of his former self during the preseason.
It was a low-risk gamble that turned out to be a perfect marriage. Patrick’s route-running reliability, strong hands, and the genuine joy he got out of blocking were a match made in heaven. He caught 33 of 44 targets and paved the way for some big perimeter runs, rounding out the most prolific offense in franchise history.
Re-upping for a second year this offseason was a no-brainer. And the price tag remained a bargain at just $2.5 million.
But Father Time is the devil that comes for us all, and all those things that clicked so magically the previous season weren’t there this offseason. Patrick just seemed old.
He sounded old when he grumbled about Brian Branch’s overaggressiveness during a non-padded practice, and Patrick looked old when he couldn’t manage to get separation against backup corners like Nick Whiteside, who joined the Lions mid-camp. Then came a quad injury that further hampered his ability to get on track.
Long thought of as a roster lock, TeSlaa’s rise and Patrick’s struggles made those of us watching practice question that perception. In a recent assessment of the roster’s bubble players, I had moved Patrick’s roster odds to 85%, noting some similar vibes to Marvin Jones’ final stint in Detroit, when the veteran left the team midseason for personal reasons after failing to live up to expectations on the field.
Still, 85% is pretty strong odds, and Patrick made the initial cut even when the Lions were liberal about chopping undeserving options, trimming three more players than they needed to ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
But a day later, he’s gone too, off to Jacksonville in a trade for a Day 3 draft pick. Patrick spent a day less than a year with the Lions, and the team squeezed every ounce of value they could out of the veteran, down to getting something in return when it became clear he had little left to offer.
The move clears the path for TeSlaa, even if there’s likely still a ramp-up to take place before the one-to-one replacement is complete. Based on practice rotations in recent weeks, Kalif Raymond is in line to see plenty of work to start the season, as well.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes fell for TeSlaa for all the same reasons the team loved Patrick. The rookie first caught Holmes' eye at the Senior Bowl for his agitating effort as a blocker. From there, it was easy to like the size, speed and hands that routinely showed up on tape.
Sure, development was needed, but TeSlaa was more athletic and eight years younger than Patrick. For that potential upside, the Lions were content to wait a year for things to click. The fact that TeSlaa smashed the clock face and aggressively spun the hands forward during camp was the most pleasant of surprises.
And, frankly, the pressure on the rookie remains low. Patrick, talking about his role in an offense led by St. Brown, Williams, tight end Sam LaPorta and a dynamic backfield, said it best earlier this offseason.
“My job is going to be easy,” Patrick said. “I just gotta beat the number, what, four cornerback? I should win that every single time.”
Well, it’s not his job anymore. It’s Raymond’s, temporarily, and soon to TeSlaa’s. Fire up that jetpack.
Following the Detroit Lions’ second preseason game, coach Dan Campbell was asked about rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa’s performance. The answer started slowly, with a typical preseason clichés about improvement, before Campbell began talking with his hands, something he often does.
“I would say ever since we put pads on, he’s been trending this way,” Campbell said, flattening his right hand and moving it along an imaginary incline.
You probably know the move. It’s a Campbell classic, which has become a popular GIF after he did it on an episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.”
But the difference with Campbell’s TeSlaa answer is the incline was closer to 70 degrees than 30. It looked more like the coach was talking about the newest rollercoaster at Cedar Point.
The kid wasn’t merely developing as expected; there was an imaginary jetpack strapped to his back.
And to TeSlaa’s credit, he never slowed down during the stretch run of the offseason, scoring touchdowns in each of the next two games, including a pretty deep ball over his back shoulder for a 33-yard score in the finale.
After that contest, Campbell declared TeSlaa ready to help the Lions early in the upcoming season, something that wasn’t expected after the team moved up to draft him in the early stages of the third round in April.
The original vision saw the Lions leaning on Tim Patrick another year while TeSlaa acclimated to playing outside after being primarily used in the slot during his two seasons at Arkansas.
Patrick had been a godsend for Detroit the previous season. After failing to find a viable third receiver during last training camp, the Lions picked the veteran up after he was let go by the Denver Broncos.
At the time, it was still unclear if Patrick had anything left in the tank. He had missed the previous two seasons with serious injury — a torn ACL and Achilles — but had flashed signs of his former self during the preseason.
It was a low-risk gamble that turned out to be a perfect marriage. Patrick’s route-running reliability, strong hands, and the genuine joy he got out of blocking were a match made in heaven. He caught 33 of 44 targets and paved the way for some big perimeter runs, rounding out the most prolific offense in franchise history.
Re-upping for a second year this offseason was a no-brainer. And the price tag remained a bargain at just $2.5 million.
But Father Time is the devil that comes for us all, and all those things that clicked so magically the previous season weren’t there this offseason. Patrick just seemed old.
He sounded old when he grumbled about Brian Branch’s overaggressiveness during a non-padded practice, and Patrick looked old when he couldn’t manage to get separation against backup corners like Nick Whiteside, who joined the Lions mid-camp. Then came a quad injury that further hampered his ability to get on track.
Long thought of as a roster lock, TeSlaa’s rise and Patrick’s struggles made those of us watching practice question that perception. In a recent assessment of the roster’s bubble players, I had moved Patrick’s roster odds to 85%, noting some similar vibes to Marvin Jones’ final stint in Detroit, when the veteran left the team midseason for personal reasons after failing to live up to expectations on the field.
Still, 85% is pretty strong odds, and Patrick made the initial cut even when the Lions were liberal about chopping undeserving options, trimming three more players than they needed to ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
But a day later, he’s gone too, off to Jacksonville in a trade for a Day 3 draft pick. Patrick spent a day less than a year with the Lions, and the team squeezed every ounce of value they could out of the veteran, down to getting something in return when it became clear he had little left to offer.
The move clears the path for TeSlaa, even if there’s likely still a ramp-up to take place before the one-to-one replacement is complete. Based on practice rotations in recent weeks, Kalif Raymond is in line to see plenty of work to start the season, as well.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes fell for TeSlaa for all the same reasons the team loved Patrick. The rookie first caught Holmes' eye at the Senior Bowl for his agitating effort as a blocker. From there, it was easy to like the size, speed and hands that routinely showed up on tape.
Sure, development was needed, but TeSlaa was more athletic and eight years younger than Patrick. For that potential upside, the Lions were content to wait a year for things to click. The fact that TeSlaa smashed the clock face and aggressively spun the hands forward during camp was the most pleasant of surprises.
And, frankly, the pressure on the rookie remains low. Patrick, talking about his role in an offense led by St. Brown, Williams, tight end Sam LaPorta and a dynamic backfield, said it best earlier this offseason.
“My job is going to be easy,” Patrick said. “I just gotta beat the number, what, four cornerback? I should win that every single time.”
Well, it’s not his job anymore. It’s Raymond’s, temporarily, and soon to TeSlaa’s. Fire up that jetpack.
BobbyLayne
Footballguy
For redraft, where do you reslot him?
WR PPR Expert Consensus Rankings - Tier 6
40 Khalil Shakir (BUF)
41 Jauan Jennings (SF)
42 Jordan Addison (MIN)
43 Deebo Samuel Sr. (WAS)
44 Josh Downs (IND)
45 Michael Pittman Jr. (IND)
46 Cooper Kupp (SEA)
47 Matthew Golden (GB)
48 Chris Godwin Jr. (TB)
49 Jayden Reed (GB)
50 Darnell Mooney (ATL)
51 Keon Coleman (BUF)
52 Christian Kirk (HOU)
53 Rashid Shaheed (NO)
54 Brandon Aiyuk (SF)
...
Tier 8
94 Issac TeSlaa (DET)
WR PPR Expert Consensus Rankings - Tier 6
40 Khalil Shakir (BUF)
41 Jauan Jennings (SF)
42 Jordan Addison (MIN)
43 Deebo Samuel Sr. (WAS)
44 Josh Downs (IND)
45 Michael Pittman Jr. (IND)
46 Cooper Kupp (SEA)
47 Matthew Golden (GB)
48 Chris Godwin Jr. (TB)
49 Jayden Reed (GB)
50 Darnell Mooney (ATL)
51 Keon Coleman (BUF)
52 Christian Kirk (HOU)
53 Rashid Shaheed (NO)
54 Brandon Aiyuk (SF)
...
Tier 8
94 Issac TeSlaa (DET)
