It took just one game for Lions rookies to make Brad Holmes look like a genius

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes told ESPN this past week that he regrets having not done enough homework on one prospect ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua.

"The one I've spoken most recently about is Puka Nacua. Ask my personnel staff, that's one I've brought up that's like, man. It is what it is, but you know what, if you don't recognize those things, if you don't self assess yourself constantly, you can't grow and you can't get better," said Holmes to ESPN.

This year, Holmes and the Lions took a big swing on third round pick Isaac TeSlaa, who they traded up for in the draft. In addition to TeSlaa, his braintrust also selected Dominic Lovett in the seventh round of the draft, and signed Jackson Meeks after he went undrafted this year.

So far, all three have made some sort of highlight play over the Lions' past three preseason games. And, all three seem poised to make the roster as either punt returners or bonafide receiving weapons for quarterback Jared Goff.

Lions rookies showing out in preseason

TeSlaa, who has simply looked like the best rookie in preseason for Detroit, had a ridiculous touchdown catch from Kyle Allen in the Lions' loss to the Miami Dolphins on Saturday afternoon. He added that to his 41 receiving yards on four targets. Again, the way he's able to use his hands on almost every catch has been sticking out for fans and coaches, and he's been getting praise from across the board as a result of his skills as a receiver (and a blocker).

In addition to TeSlaa, rookie signee Meeks was very impressive against Miami. He wrapped up the contest with a team-high seven receptions for 93 receiving yards, and had a nice touchdown on the day. Similarly to TeSlaa, his size sticks out as he can clearly be useful to the offense as a blocker.

Lovett had a quieter day, being slotted in on special teams throughout the day - but, he managed to make a huge heads up play on a muffed punt return attempt by the Dolphins, picking the ball up to immediately streak in for a touchdown. All three Lions rookies got on the board, and all scores showed off just how they can be useful to this Lions offense.

Detroit has an interesting dilemma on their hands, specifically with Lovett and Meeks. It seems like TeSlaa has solidified himself as a proper WR3 behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but Lovett and Meeks are competing for a spot currently occupied by Tim Patrick.

TeSlaa has been thoroughly outplaying Patrick, so it's in the realm of possibility that one of Lovett or Meeks can slide in behind TeSlaa, St. Brown, or Williams on the depth chart. It's a competition that, truly, no one could've predicted would form at the start of this year's camp and in the draft. And, it speaks to just how well Holmes managed to scout this year's receiving class.

No more missing out on the Nacua's of the draft.