General Manager Brad Holmes has been transformative for the Lions, turning the team into a formidable contender. With this success comes bold decision-making during the draft, and this year was no exception.

In an intriguing move, Holmes traded up from the 102nd pick and exchanged two third-round picks from 2026 to snag wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa from Arkansas at No. 70. The Lions secured a couple of mid-round picks in the process, but the stakes are high, resting on the shoulders of a player many analysts had not anticipated being selected this early.

Standing tall in the slot position, TeSlaa adds a fresh dimension to the Lions' offense, combining size and skill that could turn heads. His standout performance at the Combine caught Holmes's eye, prompting a much more favorable evaluation compared to others.

In an interview with 97.1 The Ticket, Holmes expressed his confidence, stating, "The pick that was probably the most questioned was Isaac TeSlaa. He was my favorite wide receiver in this draft. I'm not claiming he was the best, but he was definitely my favorite!"

Despite facing skepticism for some past draft choices, Holmes has often proven critics wrong, and if this gamble pays off, the Lions' offense could be set to soar even higher.