The Detroit Lions' offensive line faltered in 2025. There's no way around it. After being considered one of the top units in the league for multiple years running, the group drifted closer to average.
Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell set out to bring the line back to its former dominance this offseason. The Lions spent a first-round pick on right tackle Blake Miller and dished out a hefty contract to center Cade Mays in free agency. The unit should be much better if second-year guard Tate Ratledge takes a step forward.
After an inconsistent rookie campaign, the former second-round pick is primed for a breakout season in 2026.
Lions' Tate Ratledge is a 2026 breakout candidate
ESPN's Aaron Schatz recently named the biggest remaining roster need on every team in the NFL. He picked right guard, the spot currently manned by Ratledge, for the Lions. Schatz said, "This isn't a hole the Lions are going to try to plug because they're counting on improvement from 2025 second-round pick Tate Ratledge. However, he was a real weakness last season. Ratledge's pass block win rate of 87.4% ranked 63rd out of 65 qualifying guards, and his run block win rate of 69.9% was below average."
Ratledge certainly struggled in pass protection, especially early in the season. He allowed 14 pressures in his first seven games and was often a liability for Detroit. But his play picked up later in the year. In the last seven games of the season, he allowed just six pressures.
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The former Georgia star's run blocking has always been a strength. He showed his willingness to lock onto defenders and drive them back throughout the season. If he continues to refine his technique as a pass protector, he could quickly become a much more well-rounded guard.
Detroit has given the second-year pro all he needs to succeed. While he won't be playing next to Penei Sewell anymore, he'll be positioned between a major free agent signing and a first-round pick. If offensive coordinator Drew Petzing brings an improvement to the team's blocking scheme, Ratledge will be in an ideal situation.
The Lions are clearly putting their trust in the young guard. He's a key piece of an offensive line that is meant to establish the identity of the team. If he can put together a strong 2026 campaign, analysts won't be talking about him as a weakness any longer.
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