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The Detroit Lions have some unfinished business to attend to during the 2025 NFL season. Detroit had the best season in franchise history in 2024, winning 15 games and securing the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Unfortunately, it all came to an end in the playoffs after a brutal loss against the Commanders. Detroit was ravaged by injuries on the defensive side of the ball and it was bound to cost them at some point.
But now the Lions are healthy and ready to make up for lost time. Even Aidan Hutchinson should be good to go after his brutal leg injury.
The Lions also brought in a ton of new players during NFL free agency and the 2025 NFL Draft. Detroit replaced Carlton Davis III with DJ Reed on a three-year contract worth $48 million. They also added depth on both sides of the ball, which should help shield them from injury in 2025.
Detroit did not prioritize the edge rusher position during the 2025 NFL Draft. However, the Lions did add several players who could have big roles later this fall.
The Lions added DT Tyleik Williams in the first round. He should immediately fill in for the injured Alim McNeill and eventually become his counterpart on the defensive line.
Rookie minicamp is the first opportunity for NFL coaching staffs to get a good look at their new players. It may not be as important as training camp or the preseason, but it is the first step on each player’s NFL journey.
So how did Detroit’s rookies look at rookie minicamp? Will any of these players make a huge impact for the Lions later this fall?
Below we will explore one Lions rookie who stood out during rookie minicamp earlier in May.
Isaac TeSlaa was not a popular draft pick.
Lions fans, as well as the rest of NFL media, were critical of Detroit for giving up so much to trade up for TeSlaa.
Detroit traded two future third-round picks to trade up in the third round to grab TeSlaa. Not only is this a huge price to pay, the Lions did so for a player who was not on the radar for many other teams.
Lions GM Brad Holmes called TeSlaa has “favorite” wide receiver in the draft. TeSlaa made Holmes look like the smartest man in the room once again by having an incredible performance at Detroit’s rookie minicamp.
The Athletic’s Colton Pouncey gave TeSlaa an excellent review during an article recapping Lions rookie minicamp.
“TeSlaa looks the part of an NFL receiver,” Pouncey wrote. “He’s got size, he accelerates quickly, has second-level speed and strong hands. The Lions were moving him around, playing in the slot on some looks and out wide on others.”
Pouncey noted a few instances where TeSlaa made some impressive plays.
“I spent the majority of time watching him on Friday. He was separating with ease on crossers and...
