Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes has made a name for himself by building a winning roster through smart draft strategies and bold decisions. His track record has earned him the benefit of the doubt, even when he makes unconventional moves—like his aggressive play in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
During this year’s draft, Holmes made waves by trading up to the 70th overall pick to select wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa from Arkansas. To make that move, the Lions parted with the 102nd pick as well as two third-round selections in 2026. While the trade also included a few mid-round picks coming back to Detroit, it’s clear the success of the deal will largely rest on how TeSlaa performs at the next level.
TeSlaa wasn’t a widely projected Day 2 pick, making his selection a surprise to many. However, Holmes made it clear that this wasn’t a reach in his eyes. In a recent interview on 97.1 The Ticket, the Lions GM revealed that TeSlaa was his personal favorite wideout in the entire draft class.
“The pick that probably raised the most eyebrows was Isaac TeSlaa,” Holmes said. “I’m not saying he was the best receiver in the draft, but he was my favorite receiver—absolutely.”
Standing at 6-foot-4 and known for his physical frame, TeSlaa offers a unique option in the slot, diverging from the more traditional mold of smaller, shiftier inside receivers. His impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine helped elevate his stock in Holmes’ evaluation process, even if other teams didn’t view him the same way. Holmes valued TeSlaa’s size, athleticism, and potential fit in Detroit’s offensive scheme enough to pay a premium to secure him.
TeSlaa’s arrival gives the Lions a new weapon to work with as they look to continue building on their recent success. His size and skill set could offer quarterback Jared Goff a big, reliable target in key situations, especially in the red zone. While TeSlaa will need to prove he can make the leap to the NFL level, the Lions are confident in their evaluation.
Holmes has faced similar scrutiny in previous drafts, only to watch his selections develop into key contributors. If TeSlaa follows that pattern, Holmes’ bold gamble could once again pay dividends—and the Lions’ offense may become even more dynamic in the seasons ahead.