Lions' biggest winner from the preseason couldn't be clearer

If the Detroit Lions had to crown an MVP from their 2025 preseason, it'd probably be a two-way tie between Kyle Allen and rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa.

TeSlaa finished up the Lions' preseason with 146 yards on 10 targets, along with three touchdowns and an average of 14.6 yards per reception. Only Jackson Meeks, another rookie for the Lions, had more receiving yards this preseason than TeSlaa. However, TeSlaa has him beat with three touchdowns.

The nature of his receptions and scores - over the backs of defenders, after beating them out in man coverage with his speed - has really opened up the possibility of him acting as the teams' WR3 whenever Tim Patrick and Kalif Raymond aren't on the field. Even head coach Dan Campbell thinks so, telling reporters after the Lions' loss to the Texans, "I think there's a place for him to help us early in this season."

TeSlaa wins the Lions' preseason by a mile

Lions general manager Brad Holmes told ESPN recently that one of his bigger recent draft regrets was not doing better homework on Puka Nacua ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft. Nacua, of course, has gone on to become one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams.

Nacua was not on the radar of essentially any teams' scouting department back when he was taken in the 5th round, so Holmes couldn't possibly beat himself up too much for not knowing he'd end up becoming such a star. Of course, it's something you learn from, and it's beginning to feel like he might have rectified missing out on a hidden gem like Nacua with his drafting of TeSlaa.

TeSlaa, a former Arkansas wide receiver who was taken by the Lions in the 3rd round of this year's draft, was not a name you heard often from pundits discussing this past year's class of receivers available.

He didn't have flashy stats or memorable CFP moments, but watching his tape back now, you begin to notice what Holmes and the Lions' scouting department probably did - his hands, size, and athleticism all make him a legitimate future threat to NFL defenses.

While he hadn't taken many snaps in training camp with the starters, the Lions obviously have to figure out how to begin slowly incorporating him into the offense and with certain packages. He's an obvious weapon in red zone situations, or when in need of major gains. The rookie looks ready for real NFL action.