The Detroit Lions are looking to bounce back from a nightmarish season in 2025 compared to their previous two playoff runs.
A significant portion of the load will need to be picked up by the defense that crumbled in big moments last year, but unlocking another gear on offense could make for a return to a Ben Johnson-era aura for this team. To hit that next gear, a breakout from one of their many weapons would go a long way.
NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks recently compiled his 2026 NFL All-Breakout Team, featuring 11 players on offense and defense from around the league who could have a big year ahead of them.
Brooks’ list included one Lion: second-year wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa.
The Lions’ desire to live in 11 personnel makes TeSlaa’s promotion to WR3 a significant development for the second-year pro. Checking in at 6-4 and 214 pounds, he is the big-bodied pass catcher Jared Goff needs in the red zone. A third-round pick in 2025, TeSlaa tallied six touchdowns on just 16 catches as a rookie, exhibiting exceptional hand-eye coordination and body control with defenders nearby. Most importantly, TeSlaa has earned the trust of the five-time Pro Bowl quarterback, which will lead to more opportunities when opponents roll the coverage to Amon-Ra St. Brown and/or Jameson Williams. Considering how opponents must also defend a potent running game anchored by Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions’ WR3 could play a major role in a bounce-back campaign for Detroit. – Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
The 24-year-old red zone regular hauled in six touchdowns in his rookie campaign out of only 16 total catches all season. Injuries at tight end and WR3 last season brought TeSlaa’s usage up as the season went along, but he ultimately never found a groove as a legitimate threat for the Lions to scheme for.
However, with the departure of Kalif Raymond, the Lions should be poised to run more three wide receiver sets that feature the versatility of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and TeSlaa all occuppying vastly different skill sets. The space occupied by the two former, should provide all of the elements to put TeSlaa’s 6-foot-4, 214-pound frame one-on-one with defensive backs. That should at least keep opposing defenses honest.
It would be a victory in itself for TeSlaa to equal or exceed his touchdown numbers from last season, but a true breakout would see him becoming one of the better WR3s in football.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions WR featured among NFL’s 2026 All-Breakout Team
Reporting by Ryan Love, Lions Wire / Lions Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ryan Love, Lions Wire | USA TODAY Network
