By Moses Joshua 
Detroit Locks in Final Draft Pick as Training Camp Ramps Up
The Detroit Lions will head into full training camp this weekend with their rookie class officially complete. Second-round pick Tate Ratledge, a standout offensive lineman from Georgia, has agreed to terms with the team, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Last Piece of the Draft Puzzle Falls into Place
Ratledge was the final unsigned member of the Lions’ 2025 draft class. With rookies reporting to camp just a day earlier, his deal arrives right on time as the team prepares to hit the field in full pads.
Detroit selected Ratledge with the 57th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft, acquired via a series of trades involving the Rams, Panthers, and Broncos. The pick was used to add experience and championship pedigree to the offensive front, and Ratledge brings both in abundance.
A two-time national champion with Georgia, Ratledge anchored the Bulldogs’ offensive line over the last two seasons. He became a full-time starter in 2022 and earned both All-SEC and All-American honors in 2023 and 2024.
Position Versatility Adds Value
While Ratledge played exclusively at right guard during his collegiate career, his future in Detroit may include a wider role. With longtime center Frank Ragnow retiring this offseason, the Lions are exploring their options up front—and Ratledge’s name is firmly in the mix.
Though he never started at center for Georgia, he did work as the Bulldogs’ backup at the position. That preparation appears to be paying off. According to Detroit Free Press reporter Dave Birkett, Ratledge was spotted taking snaps at center during spring practices with the Lions.
His flexibility could prove critical, especially in a unit that’s being reshaped heading into the 2025 season. Whether he lines up at right guard or potentially steps into the center role, Ratledge has a chance to make an early impact.
A Draft Class Locked and Loaded
With Ratledge now under contract, Detroit’s entire 2025 rookie class is in the building and ready to go:
- Round 1 (No. 28) – Tyleik Williams, DT, Ohio State
- Round 2 (No. 57) – Tate Ratledge, G, Georgia
- Round 3 (No. 70) – Isaac TeSlaa, WR, Arkansas
- Round 5 (No. 171) – Miles Frazier, G, LSU
- Round 6 (No. 196) – Ahmed Hassanein, OLB, Boise State
- Round 7 (No. 230) – Dan Jackson, S, Georgia
- Round 7 (No. 244) – Dominic Lovett, WR, Georgia
Each player brings unique tools to the table, but Ratledge stands out as one of the most pro-ready prospects on the list, thanks to his pedigree and polish developed under Kirby Smart’s powerhouse Georgia program.
Bottom Line: With all rookies now signed, the Lions can turn their full focus to competition and chemistry. For Ratledge, the next step is proving that his collegiate dominance can translate into a starting role in the NFL trenches.
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