The Detroit Lions struck gold with one of their best draft moves in recent memory when they selected Amon-Ra St. Brown at No. 112 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft — a pick that has since validated GM Brad Holmes’ eye for wide receiver talent.
However, despite that success, the Lions are under fire for a much more recent move: trading away two third-round picks to draft Arkansas wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa in 2025. TeSlaa, a relatively obscure prospect until late in the pre-draft process, is viewed by many as an overreach who wasn’t worthy of such a hefty investment.
The criticism intensified when ESPN’s Aaron Schatz took a sharp jab at both TeSlaa and St. Brown in a draft analysis, stating that TeSlaa scored “basically zero” in his Playmaker Score metric and ranked just 157th overall on ESPN’s Scouts Inc. list. According to Schatz, TeSlaa projects — at best — to be a clone of Amon-Ra St. Brown, questioning the logic of giving up significant draft capital for a player he sees as redundant.
Yet, that comparison may not be the insult Schatz intended. St. Brown, after all, has racked up 4,831 yards and 33 touchdowns across four seasons, earning two All-Pro nods and three Pro Bowl selections. If TeSlaa develops into even a fraction of that player, the Lions may ultimately have the last laugh.
For now, though, the criticism serves as added motivation for TeSlaa, who lands in a situation that seems tailor-made for his growth. Not only is Detroit the team he grew up rooting for, but he’ll have the chance to learn directly from St. Brown — one of the league’s hardest-working and most disciplined receivers.
Known for his relentless drive and chip-on-the-shoulder mentality, St. Brown famously memorized the names of every receiver drafted ahead of him. TeSlaa, now facing his own wave of skepticism, has all the fuel he needs to follow that same path. With mentors like St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, and Jameson Williams in the locker room, the rookie will be pushed to rise quickly.
Every young NFL player looks for something to ignite their journey — a doubting scout, a passed-over opportunity, a biting headline. For Isaac TeSlaa, that spark has arrived. Now it’s up to him to turn it into fire.
