Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft saw the Detroit Lions trade up twice to select a pair of players in Georgia guard Tate Ratledge and Hudsonville native Isaac TeSlaa — both of whom they had highly rated on their board and believe will be significant contributors to the offense.
While Ratledge clearly fills a much-needed void, the decision to give up multiple third-round picks to land TeSlaa has been met with mixed reactions and raised some questions.
Here’s a look at how the Lions’ Day 2 selections are being regarded by media outlets across the country.
Grade: C
“The loss of Kevin Zeitler in free agency pushed the Lions to grab Ratledge in the second round. The 6-foot-6 mauler plays with surprising leverage for his size and brings the attitude the Lions desire up front.“
“Detroit gave up two 2026 third-round picks for a couple of sixth-rounders this year to trade up for TeSlaa, an athletic and intelligent pass catcher. Clearly, the Lions are willing to give up picks and jump the board for their guys. We’ll see if TeSlaa turns out to be significantly better than Jaylin Noel, Savion Williams, Tai Felton and other receivers who were available at that time.”
Grade: A for Tate Ratledge, C for Isaac TeSlaa
Ratledge: “This is a Dan Campbell pick, which is why the Lions moved up three spots to make it. A prototypical interior power performer, Ratledge fought through injuries to start 37 games at Georgia. He’s a sneaky athletic, plug-and-play guard and will fit seamlessly with the Lions.”
TeSlaa: “This is a pretty classic Brad Holmes pick. The Lions gave up a lot (No. 102 plus two 2026 third-round picks for this pick, No. 182 and a 2026 sixth-rounder) to move up for one of the biggest receivers. The fear is that TeSlaa was a better tester than a performer — he never caught more than 34 passes in Power Four action. Detroit also still hasn’t selected an edge.”
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Grade: B+ for Tate Ratledge, B- for Isaac TeSlaa
Ratledge: “Dan Campbell gets a tall yet explosive and decently flexible guard to pulverize in the run game. Can tell he was well-coached with his hand placement. Times of being overaggressive, leaning to lunges. Has to sink his pad level more frequently. But big OGs with his explosiveness don’t grow on trees, and Lions made good choice to add more to elite blocking unit.”
TeSlaa: “Scintillating big slot with elite-testing figures that pop on film. Will routinely go up and get it down the seam and plays to his towering frame. Knows how to find space in zone and accelerates dynamically out of his breaks. Minimal YAC. Sent two RD3 picks in this trade up, which made it clear overpayment on draft pick trade chart. Nonetheless, an intriguing specimen for Jared Goff. ”
Grade: A for Tate Ratledge, B for TeSlaa
Ratledge: “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 NFL.
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.”
TeSlaa: “The Divison II transfer didn’t exactly explode onto the scene at Arkansas, where he racked up 896 receiving yards over the last two seasons.
However, the 6′4″, 214-pound TeSlaa consistently beat defensive backs during Senior Bowl week. He then posted a staggering 9.97 relative athletic score during predraft testing, which ranked 11th among all wide receiver prospects since 1987.”
Grade: B+ for Tate Ratledge, C+ for Isaac TeSlaa
Ratledge: “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.”
TeSlaa: “The upside for a 6-4, 214-pounder is immense, as TeSlaa can pluck passes over the heads of smaller defensive backs downfield. But he still has a long way to go on his development, and he might be relegated to a big slot role at the next level.”
Grade: B- for Tate Ratledge, C- for Isaac TeSlaa
Ratledge: “Detroit has done well with blockers like Tate Ratledge, so there’s a good chance he’ll develop into a starter for the Lions in time. He’s a throwback interior blocker who relies on power and nastiness to win. That’ll work if Detroit continues to play a similar style without Ben Johnson.”
TeSlaa: “The value is a little jarring because TeSlaa was projected to go on Day 3, but Detroit has had success with similarly built receivers like him. He’s a major slot mismatch and finds chunk plays with ease. His great hands also bode well as a third-down merchant.”
Grade: A for Tate Ratledge, C for Isaac TeSlaa
Ratledge: “The Lions needed to think about the near future inside with Kevin Zeitler gone and Graham Glasgow fading. He is a powerful person-mover with underrated athelticism to get downfield in blocking.”
TeSlaa: “There was nothing wrong with the Lions targeting a big body who can line up either inside or outside, but they gave up a lot for a player they could have had in the middle of or late on Day 3. TeSlaa can make big plays but he needs a lot of work on routes and separation.”