THE DAILY DRIVE: Five of seven draft selections are under contract as the Detroit Lions sign Isaac TeSlaa, a third-round choice.

The Detroit Lions are steadily shaping the core of their rookie class, inching closer to a fully signed 2025 draft group with the recent announcement that wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa, their third-round pick, has inked his rookie contract. With five of the team’s seven selections now officially under contract, the front office continues to lay the foundation for what it hopes will be a transformative year for a team that has steadily climbed from rebuilding status into playoff contender—and perhaps something more. TeSlaa’s signature carries particular significance for the Lions, not only because of his draft position but because of what he represents for a team looking to sharpen its offensive weaponry and secure future contributors in key areas.

Isaac TeSlaa’s path to the NFL is anything but conventional, but in many ways, it aligns with the gritty, determined ethos that Detroit has embraced under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. A product of Hillsdale College before transferring to Arkansas, TeSlaa’s climb through the ranks of college football did not come with the usual pomp and spotlight afforded to blue-chip prospects. Instead, his journey has been defined by perseverance, production, and an unrelenting drive that caught the attention of NFL scouts despite operating outside the traditional power pipelines. He isn’t just a feel-good story—he’s an athlete with size, body control, and a knack for contested catches, the kind of profile the Lions could mold into a significant downfield threat.

Inking TeSlaa to his rookie deal not only secures a promising talent for the next four years but also brings Detroit closer to locking down its entire 2025 draft class. With five of seven now signed, including top pick offensive tackle Jaden Sanford and fourth-round linebacker Evan McCarthy, the Lions are moving efficiently through the business side of their offseason. It’s worth noting that rookie contracts in today’s NFL are largely standardized due to the league’s collective bargaining agreement, which has minimized the kind of prolonged holdouts that once dominated early summer headlines. Still, the timing and completion of deals like TeSlaa’s is significant, ensuring minimal distractions and full participation in critical offseason work like OTAs and training camp.

TeSlaa arrives in Detroit at a time when the Lions’ wide receiver room is experiencing both opportunity and pressure. With star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown entrenched as the team’s top pass-catching threat and Jameson Williams continuing to show flashes of the talent that made him a first-round selection, the Lions are looking to expand their depth and versatility at the position. Josh Reynolds’ departure in free agency left a void in the receiving corps, particularly in terms of physicality and downfield presence, and TeSlaa will be among those asked to compete for those snaps. At 6-foot-4 and over 215 pounds, TeSlaa brings a physical frame and contested-catch ability that could make him a red zone weapon and a chain-mover on third down, if he adjusts to the speed and complexity of the pro game.

What makes TeSlaa especially intriguing is his cerebral approach to the game. Coaches at Arkansas often praised his preparation, route discipline, and work ethic—traits that align with what Detroit’s coaching staff prioritizes. The Lions have made no secret of their preference for players who “fit the culture,” and TeSlaa, who began his career without a Division I scholarship offer and worked his way to an SEC roster and then the NFL, exemplifies that mold. His ascent has been rooted not in flash but in steady improvement, football IQ, and a willingness to grind—characteristics that should resonate well in a locker room full of players with similar stories of overcoming odds.

TeSlaa’s signing follows the Lions’ established pattern of building through the draft, a philosophy that has served them well in recent seasons. Brad Holmes’ tenure as general manager has been marked by a string of successful drafts, including foundational picks like St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions have leaned heavily on youth, not just to fill roster spots, but to lead the team on the field. This approach has fostered a high-energy, competitive environment and has allowed Detroit to avoid costly free-agent spending in favor of developing their own talent. By locking in their rookie class early, the Lions reinforce that strategy and provide their coaching staff with the tools to mold this year’s group into productive NFL contributors from day one.

Beyond the field, TeSlaa’s arrival also adds to a locker room that has emerged as one of the more cohesive and competitive units in the league. Much of Detroit’s rise has been tied to the culture shift implemented by Dan Campbell—a culture that prizes resilience, accountability, and hunger. The addition of players like TeSlaa, who carry an underdog mentality and a relentless drive to prove themselves, helps sustain that identity. It also keeps internal competition high, with veterans and rookies alike pushing each other to elevate their games. TeSlaa may not be expected to start immediately, but his presence will no doubt shape the dynamics of training camp and push those ahead of him on the depth chart to stay sharp.

From a contractual standpoint, TeSlaa’s deal is likely to fall in line with recent third-round rookie agreements, which typically include a four-year term and a signing bonus in the $900,000 to $1 million range, depending on the exact draft slot. While not as headline-grabbing as first-round contracts, third-round deals are important pieces of a team’s roster puzzle, offering affordable cost control for players with starter potential. For a team like Detroit, which is beginning to navigate the financial implications of extending its core veterans while staying competitive, these rookie contracts are essential. Finding value in the middle rounds of the draft allows the Lions to maintain roster depth without overextending on the salary cap.

Only two unsigned players remain from the Lions’ 2025 class, including second-round cornerback Marcus Dillard and sixth-round edge rusher Jaylen Knox. Both are expected to finalize their deals before training camp, with no indications of any contractual hang-ups. Once completed, Detroit will have locked in a full class for the fourth straight year without incident, a testament to the front office’s efficiency and professionalism. With rookie minicamp underway and full-squad OTAs on the horizon, the Lions are ensuring that their young talent is present, focused, and fully integrated into the team’s systems.

As the offseason continues to unfold, the Lions are betting big on the developmental arc of players like TeSlaa. His physical tools are evident, but what will define his NFL success is how quickly he adapts to the speed of the game and how consistently he can win against pro-level defenders. Training camp and preseason will offer the first real glimpses of how he fits within Ben Johnson’s offense, and whether he can emerge as a situational contributor or even push for a larger role. Regardless of immediate impact, Detroit views TeSlaa as a long-term asset, someone who can develop into a multi-dimensional receiver with the right coaching and conditioning.

The Lions’ methodical draft strategy reflects an organization that has shifted from desperation to direction. No longer chasing big-name acquisitions or patchwork solutions, Detroit is building patiently, with an eye on sustainability and growth. Each draft pick, including TeSlaa, is a calculated piece of that broader blueprint—one that has transformed a perennial underachiever into a team with legitimate playoff aspirations. Signing TeSlaa is more than a paperwork move—it’s a signal of the Lions’ ongoing evolution and a reminder that every roster spot, every practice rep, and every developmental milestone matters in the pursuit of long-term success.

For TeSlaa, the work is only just beginning. The contract provides security, but the challenge now shifts to performance. He’ll need to absorb a complex playbook, develop chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff, and distinguish himself among a crowded receiver group that includes both veterans and fellow newcomers. The road to meaningful snaps will not be easy, but if TeSlaa’s journey thus far is any indication, betting against him might be unwise. His blend of size, focus, and grit makes him an intriguing candidate to emerge as one of the draft’s under-the-radar success stories, especially within a Lions team that has thrived on exceeding expectations.

As summer draws closer and anticipation builds for the 2025 season, Detroit fans can take comfort in the quiet confidence emanating from Allen Park. The team is organized, focused, and unified in its approach. Isaac TeSlaa’s signing brings the franchise one step closer to a complete roster, but more importantly, it reinforces the identity that has made the Lions one of the most compelling teams in the league. In a city known for its resilience, TeSlaa may find not only a new professional home but a fanbase ready to embrace the same underdog spirit that brought him here.