By Sunday 
A Quiet Giant in the Making
In a league that thrives on highlight reels and flashy headlines, offensive linemen rarely make the spotlight—unless something goes wrong. But every now and then, a rookie comes along who makes coaches and insiders sit up. That’s exactly what’s happening with Detroit Lions rookie Tate Ratledge.
While most fans were still processing Frank Ragnow’s unexpected retirement, Ratledge was quietly taking command at center during the Lions’ OTAs. Originally drafted as a guard from the University of Georgia, Ratledge has already begun getting first-team reps at center, ahead of veterans like Graham Glasgow and Trystan Colon.
A Blueprint for a Breakout
Let’s get this out of the way: replacing Ragnow isn’t just a big ask—it’s a massive one. The now-retired center was one of the most dominant interior linemen in football. But Lions GM Brad Holmes seems to have found a rare match. Ratledge, known for his toughness, versatility, and incredible run-blocking, fits Detroit’s trench-first identity like a glove.
As ESPN’s Field Yates put it:
“He allowed only one sack in each of the past two seasons at Georgia and exudes toughness on tape.”
That kind of durability and fight is what Dan Campbell lives for. Add the fact that Ratledge was the No. 2 ranked interior lineman in the 2025 draft by PFF, and you start to realize this might not be a backup plan—it might be the plan.
Plug and Play (and Dominate?)
Ratledge has experience taking center snaps at Georgia, so the learning curve may be steep, but not foreign. Detroit has always appreciated blue-collar football minds, and Ratledge seems to carry himself like one—studious, intense, and willing to do the dirty work. He’s already showcasing poise beyond his years.
Let’s be real—few outside Detroit are paying attention. But if Ratledge anchors this line the way the front office believes he can, the NFL is in for a surprise.
Don’t sleep on him. The Lions aren’t.