Call it a lack of reps during his time with the Arkansas Razorbacks, or a minimal amount of media attention surrounding him prior to the 2025 NFL Draft, but Isaac TeSlaa has largely flown under the radar since being drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round.
TeSlaa landed with Detroit by way of a trade up by the Lions, which shows that their front office and draft room felt like he was worth moving up to steal before he landed with another squad. But, that belief in TeSlaa has yet to pay off as Detroit hasn't been able to see the 3rd round pick thrive, or floudner, in live NFL play.
That opportunity is coming on Thursday night as the Lions are set to take on the Los Angeles Chargers in Canton, Ohio for this year's Hall of Fame game. TeSlaa projects to be one of a very few drafted rookies to be taking part in the contest, with Tate Ratledge and Tyleik Williams not participating in that game.
TeSlaa and the mystery surrounding his value to the Lions has likely led to his Madden 26 rating of a measly 68. His speed is rated at an impressive 91, but with a strength score of 65 and a 64 rating in awareness, TeSlaa lands amongst deeper rookie picks in this year's version of the video game.
TeSlaa earns surprisingly low Madden rating
Another Lions rookie that earned a 68 is Ahmed Hassanein, which is fair - Hassanein was largely seen as a developmental pick for any team, with the pass rusher only having played football for the last four years with much to learn about refining his raw strength. TeSlaa, though, has looked like a legitimate threat as a red zone receiver, at the very least, in the few college highlights that are available from his time with Arkansas.
Rookie ratings were released on Wednesday by Madden, with the top Lions rookie being Tyleik Williams rated at 77 overall. Dominic Lovett, the Lions' 7th round pick, is rated as the speediest pick by the Lions with a rating of 92. Their strongest is also Williams, with a rating in that category of 91.
These numbers can fluctuate during the season, but they often don't change dramatically until the following year. If TeSlaa does find his way up the depth chart for Detroit in such a crowded wide receiving room, then he'll be sure to see that 68 increase in a big way by 2026.
