BREAKING: Lions GM Brad Holmes Calls Isaac TeSlaa His Favorite Winger in the Draft – Is a Mega-Deal Coming?

DETROIT – NFL DRAFT 2025: In a statement that stunned analysts and thrilled fans, Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes declared wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa as his “favorite winger in this draft.” The surprising admission came during a post-draft media session, immediately sparking speculation about the team’s future plans for the Division II standout — and whether a mega-deal could be in the works.

TeSlaa, who played for the Arkansas Razorbacks after transferring from DII Hillsdale College, has gained national attention for his unique combination of size, speed, and intelligence. Despite not being selected on Day 1 or 2, TeSlaa’s stock has been rising fast — and Holmes’ comments suggest Detroit may be preparing to invest heavily in a prospect many teams may have overlooked.

“He’s my favorite winger in this draft — hands down,” said Holmes. “The way he runs routes, high-points the ball, and competes with heart — that’s a Detroit Lion through and through.”

Who Is Isaac TeSlaa?

Isaac TeSlaa isn’t your typical draft story. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, he began his collegiate career at Hillsdale College, a small Division II program, before transferring to the University of Arkansas in 2023.

Despite adjusting to SEC competition, TeSlaa quickly proved he could hang with elite defenders. He finished the 2024 season with 58 receptions, 813 yards, and 6 touchdowns — impressive numbers given Arkansas’ quarterback instability and run-first offense.

What makes TeSlaa standout isn’t just his stats, but his football IQ, route discipline, and relentless motor. Coaches rave about his film study habits, and scouts have compared his frame and competitiveness to Cooper Kupp and Adam Thielen.

“TeSlaa’s the type of guy who walks into the building and outworks everyone. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective,” one NFC scout told ESPN.

Why Brad Holmes Is So High on TeSlaa

Brad Holmes is known for his sharp eye for undervalued talent. He’s the architect behind the Lions’ current playoff-caliber roster, having drafted stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Aidan Hutchinson. When Holmes singles out a player as his “favorite,” people listen.

Holmes’ admiration for TeSlaa appears rooted in both intangibles and scheme fit. The Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has built a system that thrives on precision, physical receivers, and high-motor effort — a perfect fit for TeSlaa’s skill set.

“He’s not just a big-bodied receiver — he’s a technician,” Holmes said. “He understands leverage, adjusts mid-route, and isn’t afraid to block. That’s rare at any level.”

Could Isaac TeSlaa Land a Mega-Deal?

The big question now: Will Isaac TeSlaa get a mega-deal in Detroit?

While he’s still an unproven talent at the NFL level, Holmes’ public endorsement raises the possibility that the Lions could prioritize him with a multi-year developmental contract, or even a guaranteed rookie extension if he makes the active roster and performs well in preseason camps.

Given the Lions’ history of rewarding hard work — such as early extensions for players like St. Brown and David Montgomery — TeSlaa could be positioned to secure a generous, performance-based deal that includes:

• Signing bonuses tied to roster milestones

• Incentives for receptions, yards, and touchdowns

• Future-year escalators based on snap count or playoff contribution

Even if he starts on the practice squad, Holmes’ confidence indicates that TeSlaa will be given every opportunity to grow within the system — and possibly thrive.

What This Means for the Lions’ WR Room

The Lions already have a strong receiving corps led by Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Josh Reynolds, but depth and durability have been persistent concerns. Injuries in recent seasons have exposed a lack of reliable backup production.

Isaac TeSlaa gives Detroit:

• A possession receiver with elite size

• A goal-line threat and red zone mismatch

• A high-effort special teams contributor

• A reliable depth piece who can step into starting roles when needed

His presence could allow the Lions to move on from older veterans or rotate more aggressively based on matchups.

Fan Reactions: “TeSlaa Time in Detroit?”

The buzz surrounding TeSlaa has taken over Lions forums and social media. Fans are excited by the idea that Detroit could be stealing another under-the-radar gem, much like they did with St. Brown (a 4th-rounder) and Malcolm Rodriguez.

“If Brad Holmes says he’s the guy, then I believe it,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “The guy turned this team around. Let’s see what TeSlaa can do.”

On X (formerly Twitter), #TeSlaaTime and #MotorCityWinger were trending shortly after Holmes’ comments went public.

The Bigger Picture: Detroit’s Draft Strategy Evolves

Brad Holmes has continued to redefine how Detroit approaches roster building — focusing on mental toughness, culture fit, and positional value. The attention on TeSlaa shows that the Lions are not afraid to take chances on small-school or unconventional talent, especially when the character and skill traits align with the team’s identity.

“You can teach technique, but you can’t teach hunger,” Holmes said. “And Isaac TeSlaa is hungry.”

Conclusion: Detroit’s Favorite Winger May Be Its Next Star

Brad Holmes’ bold statement that Isaac TeSlaa is his favorite winger in the draft is more than a compliment — it may be a sign of things to come. Whether TeSlaa receives a mega-deal immediately or earns it through hard work, the message is clear: the Lions believe in his potential.

As Detroit continues its rise in the NFC, TeSlaa might just become the next unlikely name to make a major impact — not just on Sundays, but in the heart of a city that loves its underdogs.