Arkansas football‘s Isaac TeSlaa is officially an NFL rookie after being picked by the Detroit Lions in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Lions selected TeSlaa in the third round with the 70th overall pick in the draft on Friday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. TeSlaa entered the weekend as a Day-3 projection with the ceiling to move higher in the draft based off a sterling performance at the NFL combine.
Here’s what TeSlaa brings to Detroit, based on his career with the Razorbacks.
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What Isaac TeSlaa brings to Lions in 2025 NFL Draft
TeSlaa has an incredible story. He was a wing-T quarterback in high school who began his college career at the Division II level before transferring to Arkansas. Now, he’s an NFL draft pick who projects as a big slot receiver at 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds.
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With the Razorbacks, TeSlaa was a talented but inconsistent receiver who contributed on special teams and was beloved by coaches and teammates. His draft stock rose to a heightened tier after running a 4.43 40-yard dash with a 39.5-inch vertical jump. According to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, TeSlaa had the best “athleticism score” of any receiver at the combine.
Isaac TeSlaa highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Arkansas
TeSlaa was a physically imposing receiver for the Razorbacks. He thrives at making contested catches through traffic, using his strong hands to snatch passes away from opposing defensive backs. With elite speed, TeSlaa was a deep-ball threat, and a 75-yard touchdown catch against Texas A&M was the signature moment of his Arkansas career.
However, TeSlaa struggled getting open throughout his two-year stint in the SEC. A majority of his catches came with defenders draped over him, and the lack of separation limited his target share in the Arkansas offense.
Isaac TeSlaa stats with Arkansas
TeSlaa finished his senior season with 28 catches for 545 yards and three touchdowns. He led Arkansas receivers by averaging 19.5 yards per reception.
Isaac TeSlaa NFL comparison
TeSlaa has a very similar frame and style of play to Mack Hollins, who just left the Buffalo Bills and signed with the New England Patriots. Hollins is consistently good enough to make a roster and provide an impact on offense and special teams, but never quite a top-two receiver in an offense. TeSlaa’s ceiling might be higher if the route-running improves.
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at [email protected] or follow him@jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
