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Bills in ideal position to draft NFL analyst's explosive 'sleeper' to fill WR hole

Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane has been excellent at finding talent beyond Round 1 of the NFL draft. One ESPN analyst has a sleeper pass catcher that would be a perfect pick.
Brian Letscher|
Orchard Park, New York, USA; ESPN analyst Louis Riddick reacts to a fans question.
Orchard Park, New York, USA; ESPN analyst Louis Riddick reacts to a fans question. | Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

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Based on the many, many mock drafts leading up to this years' NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills will be going all-in early on defense. They also have a need at wide receiver and, given GM Brandon Beane's penchant for finding gems, there is a 'sleeper' stud out there that will be available late Round 2 into Round 3.

As of today, the Bills wide receiver room is made up of slot man Khalil Shakir, second-year WR Keon Coleman, free agent pickups Josh Palmer and Lavishka Shenault, and veteran Curtis Samuel — with Amari Cooper unlikely to return. ESPN's Louis Riddick likes a guy gaining traction as a diamond in the rough who would be an excellent choice for the Bills — Arkansas WR Isaac TeSlaa.

"TeSlaa is going to be a problem for opponents as a slot receiver at the next level. His size...and explosive movement traits make him a matchup nightmare in the middle of the field," Riddick wrote, "Despite his bigger frame, he can get off the line with good foot quickness, hits another gear when he gets to the third level and tracks the deep ball well. TeSlaa also shows the body control in the short/intermediate pass game to get separation against man coverage, along with the instincts to uncover when facing zone."

Isaac Teslaa
Sep 28, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown. | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

At 6'3" and 214 pounds and running a 4.43 40-yard dash at the combine, TeSlaa has the measurements to be a starting wide receiver in the NFL. With 28 catches for 546 yards and three scores last season — in a very average Arkansas offense — he also has the tape. As Riddick noted, "...the lack of big-time production doesn't phase me. I like his skill set a lot, and I'm watching for TeSlaa to come off the board by the end of Round 2."

RELATED: Bills host WR prospect with size, speed and maybe the best name in draft class

Isaac TeSlaa
Mar 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arkansas wideout Isaac Teslaa during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Bills have 10 picks in this draft, including two Round 2 at No. 56 and No. 62 overall, giving Beane plenty of options to go defense with the Bills' first two picks and still snag an intriguing offensive weapon for Josh Allen at excellent value.

Isaac TeSlaa
Jan 29, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa of Arkansas (1) grabs a pass with American team defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. of Oklahoma (22) trailing during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. | Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

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Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

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