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The Detroit Lions are heading into the NFL Draft with one of the league’s best offensive lines—but also with a pretty big hole to fill. After veteran guard Kevin Zeitler left in free agency, Detroit has some retooling to do up front. Thankfully, help may be on the way—and he’s big, nasty, and tailor-made for Dan Campbell’s brand of football.
Zeitler Out, Ratledge In?
Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton thinks the Lions won’t wait long to patch things up in the trenches. In his recent first-round mock draft, Moton predicts Detroit will select Georgia guard Tate Ratledge with the No. 28 pick.
“Detroit has a glaring need at guard, especially with its downhill physical playing style,” Moton wrote, adding that Ratledge brings the exact kind of grit the Lions need to keep their top-tier ground game humming.
At 6’6″ and nearly 320 pounds, Ratledge isn’t just built for the position—he plays with an edge. “Ratledge would bring the type of nastiness that Detroit needs,” Moton continued. And in case you’re wondering: yes, he’s got that “Dan Campbell guy” energy written all over him.
What the Scouts Are Saying
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein called Ratledge a “three-year starting right guard with a relatively safe floor,” highlighting his toughness and raw physicality.
“His pad level is too high, but he mauls his way into early advantages in the run game,” Zierlein said. The report isn’t all roses—Ratledge isn’t the most athletic or longest-limbed lineman in the draft—but what he lacks in finesse, he makes up for in good ol’ fashioned dirt-dog mentality.
And in Detroit, that might be all he needs to become a fan favorite.
Depth Still a Question Mark
While Ratledge could offer an instant upgrade, the Lions still have more decisions to make along the interior O-line. Team reporter Tim Twentyman recently called the guard position one of Detroit’s biggest draft needs—especially after Zeitler’s departure and Graham Glasgow’s “bit of a down year.”
There are a couple of internal options too. Rookie Christian Mahogany flashed potential in spot starts last season, and Giovanni Manu could see some guard reps, according to Dan Campbell.
Still, none of that rules out a draft-day move—or even another signing. Twentyman notes that GM Brad Holmes “has been in contact with some veteran free agents,” keeping the door open for multiple reinforcements.
Building for a Super Bowl Push
The Lions are no longer building from the ground up. They’re loading up for a serious run in 2025—and the offensive line remains central to that identity. Ratledge might not be a flashy pick, but he’s the kind of tone-setting player who could slot in and contribute on Day 1.
If Detroit pulls the trigger, don’t be surprised to see him throwing pancakes by Week 1.
And that sound you’ll hear? That’s Dan Campbell grinning ear to ear.