The 2025 NFL Draft is in the books, and the Detroit Lions came away with several rookies fans are excited to see on the field. While most eyes were on first-rounder Tyleik Williams, it’s actually a second-round pick, Tate Ratledge, who’s shaping up as the team’s most likely rookie starter come Week 1.
Ratledge, a standout right guard from Georgia, brings a winning pedigree to Detroit. Over the past three seasons, he started 36 games for the Bulldogs, helping them to a dominant 33-3 record. He’s battle-tested, disciplined, and tough in the trenches — just the kind of player Dan Campbell loves. According to Pro Football Focus, Ratledge gave up only two sacks, six hits, and 10 hurries in over 2,000 snaps, making him one of the most reliable linemen in college football.
Why is he likely to crack the Lions’ starting lineup right away? The guard room is thin. With veteran Kevin Zeitler heading to the Titans, Detroit’s left with Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, Kayode Awosika, and rookies Ratledge and Miles Frazier. Glasgow struggled last season, and Mahogany is likely to lock down the left guard spot after a strong showing in 2024. That leaves right guard wide open — and Ratledge looks like the best fit.
The Lions’ front office believes Ratledge, with his experience and natural fit at right guard, can stabilize the position and help elevate the offensive line into one of Detroit’s strengths. Even if Glasgow and Awosika end up as backups, their presence provides some much-needed depth.
Detroit fans might not have seen this coming, but Ratledge could quietly become one of the team’s most impactful rookies. Keep an eye on No. 68 this fall — he could make a big difference right away.
Tate Ratledge Poised to Be Lions’ Surprise Week 1 Rookie Starter
