POSSIBLE LATER ROUND WR DRAFT PICK- ISAAC TESLAA (ARKANSAS)

A late transfer from Div II Hillsdale College to the Arkansas Razorbacks, Isaac TeSlaa doesn't have much tape for scouts to peruse. What he does have however is terrific. That tape combined with his showing at the Combine has elevated this guy into a draftable WR, although probably in a later round. His 'measurables' at the Combine put him near or at the top of the WRs who tested. TeSlaa ran a 4.43, 39.5 Vertical, 10'9" Broad, and a 4.05 SS (short shuttle), #! of all WRs. His Total Athleticism Score was 96, which placed him at #1 against all WRs, according to NFL's NextGen Stats. Another analytics system, RAS (Raw Athletic Score) scored him at 9.96 out of a possible 10.0. This places him at #16 overall in the last 40 years.!!! Scores kept since 1987, so ...

MSN:  TeSlaa labeled "Athletic Freak", Puts On 'Freak Show" at Combine

I THINK he had only two years at Arkansas...

Here is a little one-hand action..!!

Never heard of him, but dang, he's pretty darned good. Running his routes he reminds me of a young Ricky Proehl along with those one-handed grabs. He'll play on Sundays unless a bunch of somebodies are idiots.

Did some looking on him and he doesn't look that big, but he's 6'4 and 214.  He may not get drafted, and if he doesn't, what a steal he could be?  Might be somebody's Jalen Coker.  


https://www.nfl.com/prospects/isaac-tesl...61b1b8f72f

Height  6’ 4’’

Weight  214 lbs

Arm 31 1/8’’

Hand 10’’

Prospect Grade: 6.13
Good backup with the potential to develop into starter

By Lance Zierlein (this guy, ie ME, considers the source )
NFL Analyst

Overview

TeSlaa is a big slot receiver whose stock might be on the rise after his performances during Senior Bowl week. He can mismatch smaller cornerbacks with his frame and play strength and is a reliable pass catcher when contested. He builds up speed as a vertical slot but isn’t sudden enough to simply uncover as a possession slot against tight man. TeSlaa’s ball skills and ability to work down the field from the slot should carry backup value for teams in the market for help at receiver.

Strengths

    Size creates big mismatch problems from the slot.
    Play strength to sink into zone and catch through contact.
    Tracks and attacks at the high point downfield.
    Sure-handed with the ability to stab stray passes.
    Frame and play strength to stalk and stick as a run blocker.

Weaknesses

    Production was fairly lackluster in two seasons at Arkansas.
    Crowded and slowed by early route redirection.
    Sluggish acceleration kick after slowing his feet.
    Has a tendency to drift toward coverage on stop routes.
    Doesn’t play fast enough to beat tight man underneath.

https://www.fantasylife.com/articles/nfl...are-rising

Stock Up

Isaac TeSlaa | WR | Arkansas

With a section full of people who seemingly were there to see him, TeSlaa performed. He came to the combine with a lot of confidence during his media availability and then backed it up when he hit the field for testing.

His size checked out, measuring in at 6-foot-4 and 214 pounds, with 31-inch arms and 10-inch hands.That is a big slot receiver bucking the traditions of the slot guy being the short guy. He started his performance showing his explosion with a 39.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-9 broad jump. He ran a fast 4.43 40-yard dash with a 1.51 10-yard dash.

During his on-field workout, there were several times where he received bad passes but was able to adjust and bring them in. He moved well and got in and out of breaks with smooth transitions. He also finished with the agility drills. He recorded a 6.85 three-cone drill and the best pro agility time, a 4.05 masterpiece.

TeSlaa definitely took full advantage of his opportunity and he should hear his name earlier now that everyone can see his potential. 

He might have to change his name to George Jefferson, because he was scored #1 WR at the Combine in Athleticism and he's "moving on up" the draft boards:

https://athlonsports.com/college/arkansa...c-football

Arkansas Razorback WR Isaac TeSlaa Shines at NFL Scouting Combine

Arkansas Razorback wide receiver Isaac Tesla has had an unconventional journey from zero-star recruit to NFL prospect.

Isaac TeSlaa’s performance at the NFL Combine has solidified his status as one of the most intriguing wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former Hillsdale College standout, who transferred to Arkansas for his final collegiate season, posted an elite athletic profile that has caught the attention of scouts and general managers alike. 

From Small School to the SEC

TeSlaa’s journey to the NFL is nothing short of remarkable. A Hudsonville, Michigan native, he emerged from Unity Christian High School as a zero-star recruit with just one NCAA Division I offer. Opting to play at Division II Hillsdale College, he transitioned from a high school Wing-T quarterback to a dominant wide receiver, earning the Great Midwest American Conference Offensive Player of the Year award in 2022. His grit and determination eventually led him to the SEC, where he played for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Elite Athletic Performance at the Combine

At the NFL Combine, TeSlaa’s physical tools were on full display. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver posted a total athleticism score of 96, ranking No. 1 among all wideouts, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. His 4.43-second 40-yard dash, 39.5-inch vertical leap, and 10-foot-9-inch broad jump showcased his explosiveness. Additionally, his 4.05-second short shuttle, the best among all receivers at the event, underscored his agility and quickness in short-area movements.

The analytical community also took notice. Relative Athletic Score (RAS), which evaluates prospects based on historical data, ranked TeSlaa among the top 20 most athletic wide receivers dating back to 1987. His elite combination of size, speed, and burst is rare, making him an enticing prospect for teams in need of a big-bodied playmaker. 

Production vs. Potential

Despite his impressive testing numbers, TeSlaa’s production at the FBS level has been a point of contention. In his lone season at Arkansas, he recorded 62 receptions for 896 yards and five touchdowns while playing second fiddle to Andrew Armstrong. The NFL’s Next Gen Stats system graded him at 70 overall, tying him with Georgia’s Arian Smith at No. 27 among wide receivers. However, his college production score was a lackluster 53, which could raise concerns about his ability to translate his athleticism into consistent production at the professional level.

Nevertheless, TeSlaa’s strong performances in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl and Reese’s Senior Bowl have reinforced his potential. He has demonstrated crisp route running, reliable hands, and the ability to make contested catches—traits that NFL teams covet in a developmental receiver.
Draft Outlook

With the NFL Draft set for April 25-26, the question remains: Will TeSlaa’s elite athleticism and undeniable work ethic be enough to push him up draft boards? His NFL Combine performance certainly bolstered his case, but his final draft position will ultimately depend on how teams weigh his upside against his limited top-level production. One thing is certain—Isaac TeSlaa has proven he belongs in the NFL conversation.