The Detroit Lions have received mixed reviews for their work in the 2025 NFL draft, but one thing most folks can agree on is that a major need was checked off along the offensive line.
With second-round pick Tate Ratledge and fifth-round pick Miles Frazier now in the mix, the Lions suddenly no longer have a depth problem at guard, which was a big goal heading into the draft. Ratledge is particularly interesting in this discussion given his stylistic fit with the franchise.
In the draft, the Lions were able to nab Ratledge with pick No. 57, and that pick was looked at as a major value by ESPN's Field Yates. He named the selection one of the best picks of the second round, given the fit of Ratledge with his new team and the role he could quickly play for an aging offensive line.
"Simply put, Ratledge plays like a Detroit Lion. He is extremely tough, dependable and a true competitor," writes Yates. "After undergoing TightRope surgery last September, Ratledge returned to Georgia's lineup and looked excellent in the Bulldogs' regular-season finale against Texas. Detroit came into the draft with an eye on interior offensive line help, and they left it with a ready-made starter."
Finding starters early in the draft has been a huge advantage for Detroit, and if Ratledge emerges quickly for the Lions, that would be a bonus for the roster. An early quote could prove that the lineman is set to see the field quicker than some might realize.
Brad Holmes praised Tate Ratledge's versatility standing out for Lions
If Ratledge does see the field early, where could he play? Many believe the Lions could start him at guard, but there could be a mild surprise waiting if Detroit gets him some work during the offseason at center and he excels.
Frank Ragnow is aging and has had injury concerns the last few years, so it's possible the Lions could work Ratledge into the mix at that position as he grows. Holmes pointed out that Ratledge fits the Lions for multiple reasons, including his tough mindset, which fits well with Detroit's other linemen.
"I think that's going to be cool, both those guys being in the locker room together and in that offensive line room together. Just like (Christian) Mahogany fit what we're looking for, Tate (Ratledge) fits what we're looking for, whether he's got his mullet or not," said Holmes.
"He plays the game the right way. He's tough. He's physical. He's a lot more athletic than you may think and he's got a lot more versatility than people may realize. That's really when he rose through the process for us. Those guys fit. They're smart. They're tough. They're gritty, and they play our style of ball."
Ratledge could be Detroit's center of the future, depending on his development, but right now, he represents another steal of a player for the Lions early in the draft.
