The Detroit Lions have a big need at the center position, but one option is still a very real possibility for general manager Brad Holmes: Tate Ratledge.
Speaking at the 2026 NFL Combine, Holmes was asked about the need at center and the team's prior openness to Ratledge being the future at that position.
"That’s still a real option. Look, when we tried him out there in camp, he wasn’t doing anything wrong that we had to move him back. We just felt like, where he was, being a rookie, we felt right guard would be an easier acclimation for him. And Graham’s previous experience was a little easier for him. So at that stage, we thought that was the right thing. But, there’s still promise for Tate to move to that position. But that’s the beauty of it, the flexibility."
The Lions drafted Ratledge as a right guard in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, during training camp and preseason, both Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell expressed interest in moving Ratledge to center in the long-term.
Ratledge did prove to be a bright spot this past season, despite a disappointing overall showing for the offensive line. Lining up next to All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell certainly helps, but Ratledge was able to hold his own with center Graham Glasgow on his other side.
Ratledge finished with a 70.3 grade on Pro Football Focus (24th among all guards), but a 73.5 run-blocking grade (12th among guards). His 58.5 pass-blocking grade leaves a lot to be desired, but that grade was still far higher than fellow guard Christian Mahogany (40.7) while being slightly behind Glasgow (61.3). Not bad for a rookie.
Holmes didn't have much to say on Glasgow's future, saying, "Graham, obviously, he’s still under contract. Again, the start of the league year is a real date, so you want as much clarity as possible."
Glasgow notably has experience at guard, his more natural position, which makes a Ratledge-Glasgow swap a possibility. Albeit those chances are slim, as Glasgow is a prime roster cut candidate. It is still an option for Holmes if his OL upgrade plans go awry.
Could drafting a center still be an option?
Ratledge could very well have a future at the center position, but given the various needs the Lions have on that offensive line, it could be to the Lions' benefit to leave well enough alone and allow Ratledge to develop at RG.
When asked about the possibility of drafting a center with one of their 2026 draft picks, as opposed to moving Ratledge, Homes said, "There’s some rookies that have been able to handle it, but you’ve got to find the right one." Holmes continued, "If you find the right one, you can. But, the really obvious one is finding a player who’s really already done it."
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Lions will also have free agency to possibly find an upgrade at center. Baltimore Ravens' Tyler Linderbaum's availability as a free agent has been well-documented, but Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta stated in his own Combine press conference that the team has already made a "market-setting" offer to the three-time Pro Bowler, which alone might price the Lions out.
Holmes has his work cut out for him to improve the OL this offseason, but it's interesting to know that Ratledge is still in play for the center role. That enduring interest could signal the Lions' approach to the position this offseason, prioritizing other OL positions, knowing that their answer to center may already be on the roster.