The Detroit Lions didn’t make a lot of flashy headlines during the offseason, but they may have made two of their smartest moves during the 2025 NFL Draft—and both happened on the same weekend.
Detroit picked up offensive linemen Tate Ratledge in the second round and Miles Frazier in the fifth, and while neither is expected to start immediately, both could play key roles down the line. With veteran starters like Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany holding things down for now, the Lions made a clear investment in the future of their offensive line—and it’s already being noticed.
According to The Athletic’s Mike Sando, Ratledge and Frazier were Detroit’s best offseason additions. Sando praised the Lions for doubling up on interior linemen, especially after letting veteran Kevin Zeitler walk in free agency. The thinking is simple: having quality young depth on the offensive line is a must if you plan on making another deep playoff run.
Even though defensive help might’ve been a more obvious priority, protecting the Lions’ dynamic backfield duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs is just as important. Ratledge has already been mentioned as a sleeper pick to watch, and there’s growing belief he could crack the starting lineup before the season’s over.
In a league where offensive line injuries are a weekly reality, stacking depth with high-upside players like Ratledge and Frazier is the kind of move that can pay off big—maybe not right away, but definitely when it counts.
Lions’ Best Offseason Moves? Analyst Says Two Draft Picks Could Be Future Starters
