The New Orleans Saints entered the 2025 NFL draft with a clear goal: finding a tall wide receiver to complement their existing options like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. However, despite their intentions, they found themselves thwarted by aggressive moves from other teams. One standout target, Isaac TeSlaa, became the focal point of a fierce bidding war between the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, and Detroit Lions, leaving the Saints to scramble for alternatives.
TeSlaa, an intriguing prospect from Arkansas, was known for his impressive athleticism, boasting a Relative Athletic Score of 9.93. His college performance, however, raised some concerns, as he recorded only 62 catches in two seasons. Ultimately, the Lions secured him right before the Saints' pick, forcing New Orleans to pivot. They settled on defensive tackle Vernon Broughton, a player they regarded as a second-round talent, making a solid pick at No. 70 that perhaps mitigated their earlier disappointment.