The Detroit Lions didn’t trade up in the 2025 NFL Draft just to add depth — they grabbed Tate Ratledge in the second round with hopes he could be a long-term piece on their offensive line.
Ratledge joins a loaded unit, but his résumé is no joke. Coming out of Georgia with 37 career starts and an outstanding track record in pass protection (just a 1% pressure rate, per ESPN), he’s far from a developmental project.
For now, Ratledge is expected to back up Christian Mahogany at right guard. But Mahogany had his struggles in pass protection last season, so there’s a real chance Ratledge could push for playing time by midseason — especially if injuries hit or inconsistency shows up.
Why do the Lions love Ratledge?
He’s a battle-tested SEC lineman from a powerhouse program
He plays with smart technique and brings a physical edge in the run game
He fits perfectly into Dan Campbell’s tough, no-nonsense culture
Projected snap count for 2025: 150–300, mostly in rotation or as an injury fill-in. But if things break his way, Ratledge could be starting before the season’s over — and once he’s in, he might not give that job back.
Bottom line: Tate Ratledge may start his rookie year on the bench, but don’t count him out. He’s one of the most NFL-ready linemen in this rookie class, and Lions fans should definitely keep an eye on him this preseason.
Lions Rookie Tate Ratledge Has Starter Potential — Sooner Than You Think
