After reinforcing the interior of their defensive line with the selection of Ohio State’s Tyleik Williams in Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions opted to boost the interior of their offensive line in the second round Friday night with the selection of Georgia guard Tate Ratledge.
The Lions traded up three spots with Denver from No. 60 to No. 57 to get Ratledge. The Broncos traded pick 57 and 230 to the Lions in exchange for 60 and 130.
Ratledge is a self-described ‘dirtbag’ as a player and that certainly fits what the Lions are all about upfront along their offensive line. He’s got a mean streak that Lions fans will certainly love about him. He was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs with 37 starts at right guard.
He plays the position with a physical presence but also has good movement skills for a player his size (6-7, 308).
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart told The Athletic Ratledge was as ‘special as they come,’ because of his leadership ability. He was a team Captain for the Bulldogs.
He’ll now compete with Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, Kayode Awosika, Netane Muti, Michael Niese and Giovanni Manu for a starting spot and playing role along the interior of Detroit’s offensive line. Ratledge was an All-American and All-SEC performer the last two seasons for the Bulldogs.