May 5th, 2025
There was a lot of interest when the Detroit Lions moved up from the 102nd pick to number 70 in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Because of the high cost, some fans and observers were taken aback by the team's choice to trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars in order to acquire wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. Brad Holmes, the general manager, however, saw the decision as both personal and strategic.
Holmes discussed which player from the Lions' draft haul most caught his attention during an interview with Heather on Detroit's 97.1 The Ticket with Costa and Jansen. He expressed confidence in each of the seven choices, but his personal favorite was one.
According to the Detroit News, Holmes clarified, "I like every guy we brought in." "I think Isaac TeSlaa is the person I bonded with the most, though. In my heart, he was my guy, even though he wasn't the best wideout according to rankings.
A Controversial Trade, But a Clear Vision
Because the deal featured substantial future assets, Holmes' aggressive pursuit of TeSlaa caused some NFL circles to take notice. The Lions gave up both of their 2026 third-round picks and their 2025 third-round pick (ranked 102nd overall). TeSlaa was selected with the 70th pick in 2025, and they were also given sixth-round picks in 2025 and 2026 in exchange. Holmes' audacious choice demonstrated his faith in the young receiver's abilities.
Holmes maintained the choice even though some people questioned the decision to give up so much cash. He pointed out that each year's draft depth and quality varies, and 2025 didn't have as many mid-round jewels as prior years.
"You might say, 'This guy went in the third round,' or 'That guy was a fourth-round steal,' when you look back at previous drafts," Holmes stated. However, each draft is unique. This lesson, like the previous ones, hasn't been as in-depth. Sticking at 102 this year would have required us to take a guy that we regarded much less. For us, moving ahead was the right decision.
Holmes also noted that TeSlaa was among the best players they had left on their board at the time of the deal, both at receiver and overall, according to their evaluations.
In a sense, it reflects the strategic approach frequently used in gaming situations, such as choosing value plays at a $1 minimum deposit casino, where the tiniest bets, when timed and well picked, can yield large potential profits.
TeSlaa’s Fit with Detroit’s Culture
TeSlaa, a native of Michigan who came to Arkansas from Hillsdale College, didn't have particularly impressive college stats: he caught 62 passes for 897 yards in two seasons with the Razorbacks. He was not required to run a whole route tree in Arkansas's system, and his numbers didn't impress anyone. On tape, however, the Lions saw something they adored.
Why was TeSlaa so attractive? Holmes and his team think that game tape, rather than merely raw data or metrics, provides the true narrative. The Lions front staff wore black sweatshirts with the letters H.W.S. — height, weight, speed — crossed out on them on Day 2 of the draft. The message was unambiguous: emphasize football skills rather than just physical attributes.
Nevertheless, it's important to remember that TeSlaa was among the draft's most athletic wide receivers. At the 2025 NFL Combine, he had the highest Athleticism Score of any receiver who competed, standing at 6' 4 and 214 pounds. But his Production Score only came in at number 48. The argument over his selection value was further stoked by this discrepancy between his potential and his performance.
Holmes made it clear that the Lions are not only riding on TeSlaa's past performance but also on what he may become with the correct coaching and fit.
A Calculated Gamble with Long-Term Upside
The Lions' roster and reputation have been restored under Holmes' direction. Holmes has gained the confidence of Detroit supporters by bringing in standout players like Alim McNeill and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the middle rounds and by altering the team's culture. However, not every swing is successful, and this audacious transaction will be examined for years to come.
That is the truth about decisions made on draft day. The price of two further third-round selections will appear insignificant if TeSlaa proves to be a consistent big-slot target and has a big impact. However, detractors may label this move a mistake if he is only used on special teams or if he doesn't make a smooth transition to the NFL.
Although Holmes is aware of the dangers, he has faith in the procedure and the team's internal assessments. Trusting their board and instincts is part of the winning recipe for a front staff that has made Detroit a serious postseason contender.
Holmes stated, "We consider every move from the perspective of our own board, not what other people may think." "A player's fit with our squad, culture, and objectives is what counts. TeSlaa fulfilled those requirements for us.
In the end, the decision regarding this choice won't be made right away. It will take time to thoroughly evaluate its impact, as is the case with many draft decisions. However, in Brad Holmes' opinion, Detroit added a player he was most enthusiastic about in the entire class in addition to a promising receiver.
Furthermore, in the NFL today, belief can occasionally be just as potent as statistics.