Not every rookie makes headlines, but the ones who quietly earn trust often matter the most — and by season’s end, Isaac Teslaa proved he was more than just a draft-day gamble.
After handing out report cards to Detroit’s top wide receivers, it is only fitting to close the wide receiver series with the rookie who quietly carved out a meaningful role. Isaac Teslaa entered the season facing steep expectations before he ever stepped onto an NFL field. General manager Brad Holmes raised eyebrows by trading two future third-round picks to select Teslaa in the third round, a clear sign the organization believed strongly in his potential.
Coming out of Arkansas, Teslaa was immediately thrust into a crowded receiver room. With established playmakers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams entrenched atop the depth chart, opportunities were never going to come easily. For a rookie, simply earning snaps was going to be an uphill battle. Teslaa did more than just earn snaps, he made them count.
Isaac Teslaa earns a B
Teslaa announced himself to Lions fans with one of the most memorable first receptions in franchise history. In his NFL debut, the rookie made a spectacular one-handed touchdown catch that helped Detroit extend its touchdown streak, a run that dates back to Oct. 23, 2022, when the Lions were last held without a touchdown. While Detroit ultimately lost that game 27-13, Teslaa’s grab was a reminder that the moment would not be too big for him.
He followed that up the next week with another impressive one-handed sideline catch against Chicago, further establishing his reputation for strong hands and body control. While Teslaa was never a high-volume target this season, his efficiency stood out. He finished the year with 16 receptions on 27 targets for 239 yards and six touchdowns, tying him for 26th in the NFL in receiving touchdowns. For a rookie operating as a third or fourth option in the offense, that production speaks volumes.
Teslaa’s impact went beyond the box score. One of the quickest ways he earned the coaching staff’s trust was through his blocking. Detroit’s offense asks wide receivers to be physical on the perimeter, and Teslaa embraced that role early. His willingness to do the dirty work helped keep him on the field, especially late in the season.
Over the final three games, Teslaa clearly established himself as the team’s WR3. He caught two touchdown passes during that stretch and played his most complete football of the year. His best performance came against Pittsburgh, where he finished with four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. While those numbers may not jump off the page, they were significant given the competition for touches alongside St. Brown, Williams and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Head coach Dan Campbell took notice of Teslaa’s growth. Campbell said Teslaa “has probably grown more than anybody throughout the year for our young guys,” adding that the rookie is “smart, instinctive, tough and a finisher.” Campbell also praised Teslaa’s versatility, noting that the team asked him to handle multiple roles and positions as the season progressed. Perhaps most telling, Campbell said Teslaa “broke through that rookie wall and kept going.”
That progression sets Teslaa up well for 2026. Veteran Kalif Raymond, who has served as Detroit’s WR3 for the past five seasons, is set to become a free agent. If the Lions choose to move on, Teslaa appears ready to step into that role full time.
For a rookie tasked with lofty expectations and limited early opportunities, Teslaa delivered a strong first season. A “B” grade feels appropriate — solid production, meaningful growth and a promising foundation for what could be a much larger role next year.