The Detroit Lions have no shortage of players to keep an eye on during OTAs. This roster is drastically improved after having the offseason to get healthy and add a new round of rookie talent. One particular player Detroit fans should be keeping a close eye on is guard Tate Ratledge. The former Georgia Bulldog was an important piece of an important era for Kirby Smart and has experienced winning at the highest college level.
Ratledge has given every reason to believe the guard is going to step up and claim a starting role. This effort starts in OTAs and will go throughout the summer as the team evaluates its options at the position. It certainly doesn't hurt Ratledge's case that the mullet-sporting guard appears to be the perfect type of Dan Campbell target. Ratledge plays with an edge that perfectly fits the city and this team.
Tate Ratledge is Going to Claim a Starting Role During Lions' 2025 Offseason
Ratledge isn't the only Georgie product fans should keep an eye on, with late-round pick Dominic Lovett impressing in rookie minicamp. It wouldn't be surprising to see both players carve out a role in the Lions offense. For Lovett, this likely means in a depth role as the 5th or 6th option at the position. The receiver simply making the roster as a final round selection should be viewed as an accomplishment.
For the Detroit guard, this is far from the expectation, with the Lions needing a starter to emerge. It is going to be the Georgia product stepping into this role early on and helping establish the defining level of physicality that has been the Lions' calling card since Dan Campbell has taken over.
The franchise has reason for excitement and belief that perhaps this is finally the year to win that elusive first Super Bowl. Poor health and Jared Goff playing one of his worst games of the season at an inopportune time prevented a deep 2024 run. However, the level of offseason improvement must be noted and should put Detroit back at the top of any rankings when considering NFC threats.