The Patriots are rebuilding under Mike Vrabel, whose influence has dominated the season. He filled one massive need by adding No. 1 receiver Stefon Diggs. He's also brought in three veteran offensive linemen who, if healthy, are upgrades over last season's versions. And, in his most significant undertaking thus far, he's almost totally revamped his defense in his image.
Vrabel's grade is an A -Incomplete at the moment, however. He still needs to draft or trade for two left tackles, another wideout or two, a defensive tackle, and a running back and tight end to complete the off-season's makeover. It's been a massive task, but he's Aced - thus far.
One of those positions, wide receiver, is the topic here. ESPN's super analyst, Louis Riddick, has a sleeper suggestion at wideout for NFL teams, and anyone who "gets it" should understand that Louis knows what he speaks.
Arkansas's wideout, Isaac TeSlaa is a sleeper the Patriots shouldn't pass on in 2025 NFL Draft
Like they said about E.F. Hutton back in the day in investment commercials, the NFL and, more importantly, Mike Vrabel should listen, in this case, to what Louis Riddick says. He's a professional's professional in football analysis, and you can take whatever he says about a player to the bank. His suggestions are likely to be great investments.
The player he noticed is little-mentioned Arkansas wide receiver, Isaac TeSlaa. Riddick uses the X platform to inform the NFL-conscious world that this unheralded Razorback might just be one of those diamonds in the rough who can make your draft. Think of Julian Edelman, only bigger. He'd immediately contend with the secondary receivers on the squad for playing time.
Isaac TeSlaa
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) April 11, 2025
Big slot WR with legit top end, VG hands/concentration, tough runner after the catch, and will put you on your ass as a blocker?
I like it. #ArkansasRazorbacks#NFLDraft
TeSlaa only had 28 catches in 2024, but he made them count for 545 yards and three touchdowns. The math says that's a healthy 19.5 yards-per-catch average. That's big-play material that the 2024 Patriots offense had none of in 2024. TeSlaa may be a nice addition in the fifth round, perhaps with the pick acquired in the Joe Milton III trade with Dallas.
Patriots' could reap big dividends from a TeSlaa pick
The Patriots don't have size at the wide receiver position. A dream addition is having a big, fast wideout who can run after the catch and block. TeSlaa is 6'4" and 214 pounds. That's enough said about size. But it's his athleticism that comes along with his size that should catch the Patriots' attention.
NFL.com's combine's test scores rated the Razorback receiver as the top, as in the No. 1 receiver in the entire draft for athleticism. He ran a 4.43 forty, had a 39.5" vertical leap, and a broad jump of 10.9'.
"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."
Forget the slot; running a 4.43 puts him in the outside receiver categories. The Pats still need wide receivers, even if they're fortunate enough to draft Tarvis Hunter. TeSlaa can be a real find if the Pats are ready to go all-in and invest a fifth-round pick on him. He may be a tad of a reach, but it's the fifth round. He's at a position of need, fits a receiver profile you don't have, and his athleticism is off the charts. Pick him in the fifth, Mike Vrabel.