Few players in this year’s NFL Draft have taken a more challenging path than Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa. The former D2 standout from Hillsdale College in Michigan worked his way up to the SEC and proved he could compete at the highest level. After an impressive Senior Bowl week, TeSlaa has put himself firmly on the radar as a big-bodied X-receiver with upside.
Physical Traits & Playmaking Ability
At 6’3", 215 lbs, TeSlaa has the ideal frame for an outside receiver, and his athleticism and strong hands make him a nightmare in one-on-one matchups.
Elite Catch Radius & Hands: TeSlaa thrives in contested catch situations, using his length and body control to high-point passes. His strong hands allow him to secure difficult grabs, even through contact.
Jump-Ball Specialist: His ability to win 50/50 balls was evident throughout his time at Arkansas and Hillsdale, making him a natural red-zone threat.
Physical Playstyle: He’s not just a finesse player—he uses his size well against DBs, shielding them off and battling for position.
Development Areas & Senior Bowl Impact
While TeSlaa’s raw talent is evident, his game is still developing in a few key areas.
Route Tree Growth: Coming from a D2 background, his route-running is still a work in progress. However, playing against SEC talent and competing at the Senior Bowl has helped refine his technique.
Top-End Speed Concerns: While he has great acceleration, his long speed is not elite. He wins more with physicality and positioning than pure separation.
SEC Transition Helped Stock: TeSlaa’s two seasons at Arkansas (897 yards, 5 TDs) showed flashes of NFL potential, though inconsistent QB play limited his production.
At the Senior Bowl, he took advantage of his reps—winning 1-on-1 battles, showing off strong hands and playmaking ability, and proving he belongs against top competition.
NFL Draft Projection
TeSlaa now heads into the NFL Combine with momentum, and a strong showing in testing could further boost his stock.
Projected Round: Day 3 (Rounds 5-7) – TeSlaa is a developmental X-receiver with intriguing upside, and his strong Senior Bowl performance could push him up boards.
Final Thoughts
Isaac TeSlaa has all the physical tools to develop into a solid NFL receiver. While he’s still refining his route-running and separation skills, his size, hands, and physicality make him a Day 3 sleeper with red-zone upside. With the NFL Combine still ahead, he has a chance to further cement himself as a draft-worthy WR who could develop into a valuable role player at the next level.
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