Isaac TeSlaa has caught some unnecessary heat for, well, simply existing on the Detroit Lions’ roster thanks to Packers uncertainty.

Isaac TeSlaa has caught some unnecessary heat for, well, simply existing on the Detroit Lions’ roster. It is not his “fault” that the team saw potential in him and traded up to snag him in this year’s NFL draft, apparently stealing him away from the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints. He’s here now, has shown flashes of solid play in camp, and is ready to contribute wherever the team needs him.

Detroit also has the luxury of being able to hide him on offense with them rostering one of the best wide receiver duos in the league. Amon-Ra St. Brown is going to still get a majority of targets from Jared Goff, and Jameson Williams will be right behind him looking to build upon his 1,000 receiving yard season. TeSlaa is in the perfect position to win games with intangibles.

But, when up against teams with shakier secondaries, TeSlaa can be utilized as far more than a blocker. He can be an actual playmaker involved in Jared Goff’s decision making down field. And, the perfect game for us to see that happen will be the Lions’ season opener on the road against the Green Bay Packers.

Packers’ secondary question mark provide golden opportunity to rookie TeSlaa

Green Bay currently has a bit of a conundrum in their secondary. Jaire Alexander’s future with the team is up in the air, so they’re likely to be heavily reliant on the play of recently acquired Nate Hobbs to really replicate his work. They do have a really great safety room, and have been underrated on defense for the last few years.

But, with so much focus on St. Brown and Williams likely, TeSlaa (and Sam LaPorta) can really thrive on offense for Detroit. Both provide young and athletic receiving options for Goff, and it’ll probably be hard for Green Bay to throw everything they have at the Lions’ run game as well as their main WR duo while also containing TeSlaa.

Again, Green Bay’s defense is no slouch, even if they’re potentially without Alexander. They ranked 7th or better in scoring, run, or total defense in 2024, and they haven’t experienced any major turnover this year. But, they’re very reliant on the secondary for getting stops as they haven’t done much to shore up their defensive line or pass rush.

Detroit can exploit this, and it makes this a really fun way for TeSlaa to immediately get going in the NFL this year.