The Detroit Lions beefed up their offensive line in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, as the team traded up and selected Georgia guard Tate Ratledge with the No.57 overall pick. The Lions sent the No.60 overall pick and No.130 overall pick to the Denver Broncos for pick 57, used on Ratledge, and pick 230.
Ratledge was a multiple-year starter for Georgia at right guard and was excellent in pass protection during his collegiate career, allowing just two sacks and 18 quarterback pressures in four seasons.
Detroit lost starting right guard Kevin Zeitler to the Tennessee Titans in free agency this offseason. Ratledge figures to be the Lions replacement for Zeitler, though he will have to earn a starting spot.
Moving up and selecting Ratledge is an aggressive move by general manager Brad Holmes, and experts seem to love it.
Lions draft grades for Tate Ratledge
Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: B-
McDonald: "He’s got tricks. Coming into the season, he was Georgia’s highest projected o-line talent, but injuries set him back. At his best, he projects to be a starter, but it’s hard to gauge because he was so banged up."
Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: A
Dochterman: "This is a Dan Campbell pick, which is why the Lions moved up three spots to get him. A prototypical interior power performer, Ratledge (6-6 ½, 308) has fought through injuries to start 37 games at Georgia. Ratledge, who describes himself as a “dirtbag,” was first-team All-SEC in each of the last two seasons and was a first-team All-American last fall despite missing four games with an ankle injury. He still came back in time to help Georgia win the SEC championship. He’s a plug-and-play guard, sneaky athletic and will fit seamlessly with the Lions."
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: A
Sobleski: "The Detroit Lions already featured the league’s best or second-best offensive line, depending on one feels about the Philadelphia Eagles' front. But right guard Kevin Zeitler moved on this offseason and signed with the Tennessee Titans. Ratledge might have the most finely coiffed head of hair in this year's draft class, but he plays with his hair on fire. He weaponizes his mulleted dome to make him one of the most feared blockers entering the professional ranks. The near-6'7", 308-pound guard prospect is downright nasty and highly athletic, with a staggering 9.96 relative athletic score, per Kent Lee Platte. Had he not undergone surgery last season, Ratledge might be regarded even more highly in this year's class."
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: B+
Middlehurst-Schwartz: "Good marriage of value and need here for Detroit. An interior offensive line on slightly uncertain ground after Kevin Zeitler's departure in free agency gets revitalized with Ratledge, who is solid to the core in both pass protection and the run game."
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