Tim Patrick was not one of the 32 wide receivers drafted in 2017. Two of the first four are no longer in the NFL but Patrick, a prospect who had an injury history along with so-so production in college, was off and on practice squads in Baltimore and San Francisco year one. He broke through the roster bubble in 2018 with Denver, Courtland Sutton’s rookie year on a unit that included Emmanuel Sanders and the late Demaryius Thomas. His ascent continued as Patrick became the team’s second leading receiver in both 2020 and 2021, combining for 100+ catches and 1,400+ yards. Season ending injuries in consecutive offseasons (one to his ACL, the other to his achilles) derailed his ascent and remember, durability was a concern coming out of Utah which led to him being undrafted. Patrick linked up with Detroit last year and got on the field in September, ending the season with 34 catches, third most among receivers on the team. He was re-signed in March to a one-year deal.
TeSlaa was one of the most unique receiver prospects in the 2025 Draft class. He started for five years between Arkansas and Division II Hillsdale College. “One of my favorite players in the draft” was in the summary of my report. While he never had a huge, breakout production-type season in the SEC, he was steady and reliable. He then absolutely tore up his combine workout while measuring in at 6’4”/214. The notion there was some untapped potential here was a key factor why I put a third round grade on him and that is exactly where the Lions drafted him at number 70 overall. TeSlaa did get some first team reps during OTA’s.
Prediction: Patrick
TeSlaa will get his looks here and there but the Lions are going to lean on experience as the rookie learns how to beat press coverage. While Patrick is a lesser athlete with a laundry list of previous injuries, he is better at separating and he has built up equity with quarterback Jared Goff.