As the Detroit Lions finalize things ahead of the draft, it's become clear that the offensive line will be important for fans to remember as soon as the team is on the clock.
While the defense needs a pass rusher and perhaps another defensive back, and the offense could always target another wide receiver, the offensive trenches could quietly be the position that emerges as the quickest target for the first new addition to the team.
As the draft prospect wraps up, guards continue to be identified as the best fits for the team. Bleacher Report and Moe Moton recently took a fresh look at ideal picks for every team. He identified Georgia's Tate Ratledge as the choice for Detroit.
"The Detroit Lions lost Kevin Zeitler in free agency. Last season, Graham Glasgow allowed four sacks and committed six penalties, per Pro Football Focus. Detroit has a glaring need at guard, especially with its downhill physical playing style."
"At the back end of the draft order, the Lions can take Tate Ratledge, who probably won't be available when they get back on the clock for pick No. 60."
"Ratledge would bring the type of nastiness that Detroit needs to maintain its top-six ground attack. Though he imposes his will on the field with a physical nature, the Georgia product plays with discipline, rarely drawing penalties."
"As a four-year collegiate starter, Ratledge shouldn't have an issue winning the starting right guard job and handling his responsibilities in run blocking and pass protection."
The ability to be elite against the run and pass is something the Lions need to search for as they attempt to re-make their offensive line. As much as the Lions want to be high-flying down the field, they always look to control the game with toughness in the running game first. A player like Ratledge could offer the franchise both elements.
Tate Ratledge posted fantastic combine numbers which should appeal to Detroit Lions
Not only is Ratledge a fit in terms of the position he plays, but he has shown the type of physical skills which could make him a quick success in the NFL. When he competed at the combine, Ratledge opened eyes with some fantastic metrics that shot him to the top of the guard class.
Back in March, UGA Wire's Owen Hillman recapped a fantastic performance by Ratledge which could now have him coming off the board quickly this week.
"Ratledge helped his NFL draft stock significantly at the combine. Ratledge was a multi-year starter for Georgia, earning two All-SEC selections. Despite missing time with an ankle injury, he was still a third-team AP All-American selection in 2024. Ratledge showed he has the size and athleticism to match his college production at the combine."
"Ratledge ran a 40-yard dash time of 4.97 seconds (fourth-best among offensive linemen) and a 10-yard split of 1.72 seconds (second-best among offensive linemen). The 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive guard posted a vertical jump of 32 inches, a broad jump of 9-foot-5 (second-best among offensive linemen), and ran a time of 7.38 seconds on the cone drill."
While there are plenty of defensive ends to remember in a deep class and Detroit could always take a flier on a best player available at another position, a guard is firmly on the menu. Brad Holmes started with the trenches when he rebuilt the Lions, and with a need for depth up front, Ratledge may have done enough to get on the radar given his wide-ranging skills.