'He's grown the most': Lions tab WR Isaac TeSlaa as top 2025 rookie

With the Detroit Lions (8-8) just one day away from their 2025 season finale at the NFC North champion Chicago Bears (11-5), the story of the 2025 season is nearly fully written.

It won't include a return trip to the playoffs or a third straight NFC North title for the Motor City, but it has delivered another bright, young offensive star for the Lions.

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Isaac TeSlaa, a 6-foot-4, 214-pound rookie out of Arkansas, has caught 15 passes for 221 yards and six touchdowns. TeSlaa's growth has caught the eye of his head coach, Dan Campbell.

"He’s probably grown more than anybody has throughout the year, as far as our young guys. He’s grown the most. What you love about him is why he’s here. Of course, he’s got ability, but he’s smart, he’s instinctive, he’s tough, he’s a finisher, he’s resilient.

"Every week, we’ve been able to put more and more on him. He’s serving a lot of different roles, playing a lot of different positions. But he’s just continued to, he’s one of those guys that broke through that rookie wall at some point and just kept going. And that’s what you want. Those are the guys you’re looking for," Campbell said.

Lions offensive coordinator John Morton had high praise for TeSlaa earlier this week, too.

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"Let me tell you something, run and pass, he can do it all. He’s tough, he’s physical, he’s smart. Man, he can catch. I mean, I just, I love the hands. I love the hands. You could put the ball anywhere," Morton said.

Looking ahead to 2026, if TeSlaa continues to emerge, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and TeSlaa could be one of the best trio's in the NFL.

In what has been a frustrating close to 2025, that has to be an encouraging thought for Lions quarterback Jared Goff.

"He really has turned it on this last quarter, third of the season," Goff said. "Things are starting to click for him, it’s all starting to fall into place a little bit, and it’s been good. It’s been really good to see, and hopefully it carries onto the next year.”

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A third-round pick last year, four of TeSlaa's touchdowns have come in Detroit's last five games.

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: 'He's grown the most': Lions tab WR Isaac TeSlaa as top 2025 rookie