Former Georgia offensive lineman Tate Ratledge was selected 57th overall in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. He is the fourth Georgia player off the board.
Ratledge is moving on to the NFL after four seasons starting at guard for Georgia. He was a first-team All-American in 2024 and a two-time All-SEC selection. He was a part of both of Georgia’s national championship teams in 2021 and 2022.
Ratledge will join one of the league’s premier offensive lines. Detroit was sixth in the NFL in rushing yards per game behind an offensive line anchored by star right tackle Penei Sewell. The team lost guard Kevin Zeiller in free agency this offseason, so Ratledge will get the chance to compete with second-year player Christian Mahogany for that spot.
Ratledge has long held a reputation for being one of the most respected leaders in Georgia’s locker room. Head coach Kirby Smart said that he, along with former teammate and newly minted Atlanta Falcon Jalon Walker, is “as special as they come” following Georgia’s loss to Notre Dame in the college football playoff.
Injuries were an area of concern for Ratledge entering the draft process. He missed four games in 2024 after an ankle injury that required tightrope surgery. A Lisfranc injury in his first career start limited his 2021 season to just four snaps. He has had to battle through a lot to become the four-year starter that he did.
Detroit is coming off its best regular season in franchise history after a 15-2 campaign, but the Lions lost their opening playoff game at home to the Washington Commanders. Ratledge, already known for his “grit”, will join a scrappy Lions team looking to get over the hump.