The Detroit Lions made one of their best selections in recent memory nabbing Amon-Ra St. Brown with the 112th pick in the 2021 draft, proving Brad Holmes knows how to evaluate wide receivers.
Nevertheless, the Lions continue to generate heat for dealing two third-round draft picks to select Arkansas wideout Isaac TeSlaa in 2025. Not a well-known prospect until late in the process, many believe TeSlaa wasn't worth a major investment.
ESPN's Aaron Schatz took the disrespect to a new level in a draft breakdown piece, explaining he doesn't project TeSlaa as a playmaker at the next level. Interestingly, he believes at best he could become a duplicate of St. Brown.
"(TeSlaa) scored basically zero in my Playmaker Score article featuring WR projections. ESPN's Scouts Inc. rankings did have TeSlaa listed but as the No. 17 receiver and No. 157 prospect. And yet, the Lions dealt two 2026 third-round picks for him. He's at best a duplicate of Detroit's best receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown."
Landing another St. Brown would be amazing for Detroit given in four seasons he has posted 4,831 yards and 33 touchdowns as a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler. The Lions surely hope TeSlaa turns out as well, so invoking St. Brown's name as a negative is odd.
Nevertheless, it's more fuel for TeSlaa. At this point, it will be most important for him to immerse himself within Detroit's offense and team culture.
Issac TeSlaa must use draft questions to fuel his development for Lions
In many ways, TeSlaa couldn't have asked for a better fit personally and professionally. Not only was Detroit his favorite team growing up, but in St. Brown, he will have the perfect player to learn from at his position.
St. Brown is a self-motivated hard worker, famously keeping a list of every receiver selected before him in the draft. It's likely he has seen the treatment TeSlaa has received, and will be in his ear about responding this summer.
Watching St. Brown and Kalif Raymond compete as well as a gritty star like Jameson Williams will motivate TeSlaa. Not only will he want to be successful to drive the team he grew up loving, but he won't want to let down his teammates.
Every young player is looking for an edge, whether it comes from a coach, teammate or media member who has doubted them. TeSlaa has recieved red meat from analysts, and it's up to him to make the most of the situation.
