Tate Ratledge wasn’t the Lions first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he’s still getting notice for what he can accomplish in Detroit as a rookie.
Tyler Dragon from USA TODAY listed his breakout rookie candidate for all 32 NFL teams, including the Lions. For Detroit, the choice was Ratledge, the team’s second-round guard.
It’s a sensible choice, as Ratledge is the front-runner for the only open starting spot on the Lions offense. After playing right guard for Georgia in college, Ratledge is expected to take over for free agent departure Kevin Zeitler in Detroit at that spot.
Ratledge fits right into Detroit’s tough and physical O-line identity. Ratledge allowed one sack and two pressures in 365 snaps during his final season at Georgia. The Lions lost veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler in free agency. Ratledge is slated to replace him.
First-round pick Tyleik Williams would be our choice, as the defensive lineman projects to play a lot of reps right away. Third-round wideout Isaac TeSlaa might be the popular choice as the team’s only skill position player who projects to play as a rookie, though he’s starting out in a reserve role on the Detroit depth chart.