The Detroit Lions have no shortage of household names, but according to Pro Football Focus, one of their most impactful players in 2025 flew almost completely under the radar.
In his piece, “Secret Superstars: The Most Underrated Impact Players of the 2025 NFL Season,” PFF analyst Zach Tantillo highlighted rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa as a player whose efficiency and situational dominance far outweighed his modest box-score production.
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And the numbers back it up.
Isaac TeSlaa underrated 2025 season
Isaac TeSlaa’s Quietly Elite Rookie Season
TeSlaa made the most of every opportunity in his first NFL campaign. Despite limited targets, he:
Caught 16 of his 17 catchable passes
Finished third on the Lions with six touchdown receptions
Scored all six touchdowns in the red zone
Recorded the highest-graded catch by any receiver in the NFL in Week 1 on his first career reception
His 2025 stat line:
Red Zone TDs: 6 (team leader among WRs)
Isaac TeSlaa Isaac TeSlaa nickname
What PFF’s Zach Tantillo Said
Here is the full excerpt from Tantillo’s “Secret Superstars” feature:
“TeSlaa made the most of his limited opportunities as a rookie. He caught 16 of his 17 catchable targets and finished third on the Lions with six touchdown receptions — all in the red zone. In Week 1, on his first career reception, he recorded the highest-graded catch by a wide receiver all season.”
That kind of efficiency is rare, especially for a rookie still finding his role in a crowded offense.
Why TeSlaa’s Impact Matters for 2026
With Amon-Ra St. Brown commanding coverage, Jameson Williams stretching the field, and Sam LaPorta working the middle, TeSlaa quietly carved out a niche as one of Jared Goff’s most reliable red-zone weapons.
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At 6-foot-4, 214 pounds, and with a near-perfect catch profile, TeSlaa gives Detroit a matchup problem defenses can’t ignore, even if fans haven’t fully noticed yet.
PFF has noticed. And history says players with this kind of rookie-year efficiency often explode in Year 2.
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