Many Lions fans think general manager Brad Holmes overpaid by trading two third-round picks, a fifth, and a sixth for a wide receiver who didn't exactly light up the scoreboard at Arkansas. Despite this, the hype train for Isaac TeSlaa is full steam ahead. The reason is that he is proving that he embodies what Detroit Lions football is all about: Grit.

Now, TeSlaa is killing it in training camp. He has been moving up the depth chart and getting first-team reps. Amik Robertson, the starting nickel cornerback, remarked that the rookie plays with great speed and toughness, making him difficult to cover.

What we saw on his college tape is carrying over to the preseason. When he shakes off defenders at the line, he uses his speed to get open and always snags passes with his hands. So far, TeSlaa has made four catches on six targets for 64 yards and one touchdown in two games. Plus, he excels at what Brad Holmes values most about him: his blocking skills, both running and passing. He had an impressive block during camp that opened up a touchdown for Tom Kennedy, flattening Nick Whiteside in the process—people cheered more for that block than the touchdown! On top of that, he set up Kennedy for a 15-yard gain with a solid block on a wide receiver screen against the Falcons, along with a bunch of other crucial blocks on running plays.

TeSlaa followed up with another solid performance in Detroit's second official preseason game vs. the Miami Dolphins. He logged four receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown on four targets. TeSlaa high-pointed the ball and made a spectacular catch while shielding the pass from the defender on a nice throw by quarterback Kyle Allen. 

The rookie wide receiver continues to earn first-team reps in training camp. He recently beat the newest Lions cornerback and top free agent signing, DJ Reed, on a go route during 1-on-1s. He has earned praise from the leaders on the offense, including quarterback Jared Goff and All-Pro players Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell. They all speak about his toughness and ability to catch the ball. 

The veteran wide receiver that may fall victim to the TeSlaa hype train is Tim Patrick. Patrick used his big frame to box out smaller defenders and make catches in traffic, and was a breath of fresh air for the Lions offense in 2024. However, Patrick has missed substantial time during training camp due to a nagging hamstring injury. Detroit re-signed him on a one-year deal this offseason. Detroit Lions beat writer Jeff Risdon for USA Today's Lions Wire projects that Patrick will be cut before heading to the practice squad as a protected veteran. 

TeSlaa will continue to push for a starting spot. He has earned comparisons to another mid-round WR who has impressed in the NFL for the Rams, Puka Nacua. They have similar playing styles and body types. TeSlaa is younger, faster, and cheaper than Patrick and just as physically strong a receiver as Patrick. My question is, can the Cybertruck take Tim Patrick's spot in the WR rotation?