Lions Rookie Looks Like Early Front-Runner to Replace Frank Ragnow
So, Frank Ragnow just retired after spending his whole career with the Lions, and honestly, no one was really surprised except maybe the fans. The team had a feeling he might hang it up because of all those injuries over the years.
Now, Detroit’s gotta find someone to fill that huge gap at center. Right now, they’ve been testing out three guys during OTAs: rookie Tate Ratledge, plus vets Graham Glasgow and Christian Mahogany.
Here’s the scoop: Glasgow knows his way around center from his time with the Broncos, Mahogany is getting buzz as a breakout player, and Ratledge—who played guard in college—has been getting lots of snaps at center this offseason.
According to Lions reporter Tim Twentyman, Ratledge is actually getting the most reps at center during the open practices, which is a big deal for a rookie.
Ratledge’s been pretty chill about switching positions, saying he’s taken snaps at center before in college. The Lions have plenty of time before preseason and the Hall of Fame game in July to see if he’s the real deal.
If Ratledge nails this, it could be a win-win for Detroit — they get a solid, budget-friendly option to replace a key player. Plus, it opens the door for another rookie, Miles Frazier, to fight for a guard spot.
Bottom line: the Lions love finding diamonds in the rough, and Ratledge looks hungry enough to make this spot his own.