Lions GM Brad Holmes Drops Honest 6-Word Truth Bomb on Rookie WR Isaac TeSlaa’s Toughness

TeSlaa has made an impression throughout training camp, highlighted by a pair of contested touchdown catches during preseason action. Those types of breakout August performances don’t always carry into the regular season, but Holmes believes TeSlaa has staying power.

During a pre-draft meeting, the Hudsonville, Michigan native told the Lions’ staff that he learned his physical style by watching Detroit’s brand of football. That mentality, Holmes said, reminds him of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s hard-nosed blocking coming out of college.
“You either have that dog in you or you don’t,” Holmes said. “And Isaac does.”

While Holmes stopped short of predicting TeSlaa will mirror St. Brown’s meteoric rise, the comparison alone is a strong vote of confidence. St. Brown himself has already vouched for the rookie’s grit.
“He’s tough—really tough,” St. Brown said. “He digs out safeties, maybe goes too hard sometimes, but that’s what you want. He’s strong, fast, smart, and he can win contested catches. He’s going to help us a lot.”

The rookie has shown reliable hands and a willingness to do the little things coaches value, though his route-running still needs refining. Better quarterback play in preseason likely would have boosted his numbers.

TeSlaa’s road to Detroit was unconventional. After beginning his college career at Division II Hillsdale, he transferred to Arkansas, posting modest numbers over two seasons (52 receptions, 868 yards, five TDs). That lack of production raised some eyebrows when Holmes traded up for him in the third round of the draft. But the Lions GM insisted that TeSlaa’s film, toughness, and work ethic outweighed raw stats.
“High production doesn’t always equal NFL success,” Holmes said. “He took advantage of his opportunities and never dropped the ball. We loved his makeup.”

Unlike St. Brown, who entered a thin Lions receiving corps in 2021, TeSlaa joins a much deeper offense. He may not see huge targets as a rookie, but his physicality could earn him a role early, especially with Detroit’s commitment to the run game. And if he continues developing, he could eventually challenge Tim Patrick for the WR3 spot.