Detroit Lions lose moderate value in 2nd-round trade up for Tate Ratledge

The Detroit Lions moved up three spots in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft in order to take Georgia offensive guard Tate Ratledge. The price to move up from 60 to 57, was swapping a fourth-round pick (130) with the Denver Broncos’ seventh-round pick (230).

According to several trade chart models—which assign value to each draft position based on historical trends—the Lions lost a fair amount of value on these trades. Here’s a breakdown of that cost.

(Source: www.jefeshandiwork.com)

Jimmy Johnson trade chart values

Lions receive:

Pick 57 — 330
Pick 230 — 0
Total – 330

Lions lose:

Pick 60 — 300 points
Pick 130 — 42
Total – 342

Net difference: 12 points — equivalent to a mid-sixth-round pick

Rich HIll trade chart

Lions receive:

Pick 57 — 95.73
Pick 230 — 2.00
Total – 97.73

Lions lose:

Pick 60 — 88.49
Pick 130 — 18.49
Total – 106.98

Net difference: 9.25 points — equivalent of mid fifth-round pick

OverTheCap — Fitzgerald/Spielberger

Lions receive:

Pick 57 — 871
Pick 230 — 136
Total – 1007

Lions lose:

Pick 60 — 844
Pick 130 — 437
Total – 1281

Net difference: 178 points — equivalent of a late fifth-round pick

In total, the Lions sacrificed a early-to-mid Day 3 pick in value just to move three spots. That may seem like a bit of an overpay—and it is—but fans won’t care too much if Ratledge turns out to be an excellent player for the Lions.

In his pre-draft press conference, Lions general manager Brad Holmes says they have their own trade chart, but they aren’t too strict about it.

“We have a chart,” Holmes said. “I do think it’s probably more of your philosophy of how you use the chart. I’ve spoken with teams during the Draft and they’re like, ‘The miniscule points are off,’ and it’s like, ‘Come on, man.’ Give me a break, but that’s their philosophy. We’re kind of like, ‘It’s in the range. This is the player that we want, this is the deal we want to do, and then we do it.’”

After the trade, the Lions now have the following picks left in their arsenal.

Round 3, Pick 38 (102 overall)
Round 6, Pick 20 (196 overall)
Round 7, Pick 12 (228 overall)
Round 7, Pick 14 (230 overall)
Round 7, Pick 28 (244 overall)