The Detroit Lions have Super Bowl aspirations in 2025 and they have several familiar faces they hope will get them there. While many of the players that helped Detroit go 15-2 this season are returning for another year, there are several rookies that will be placed into a crucible of high expectations.
Some rookies, such as first-round draft pick Tyleik Williams, will have some grace as they enter a loaded position room. But others will be thrown into the fire right away including one who could disappoint in his rookie season.
Lions’ Tate Ratledge Has Big Shoes to Fill in Rookie Season
The Lions appeared to get a perfect pick when they selected Tate Ratledge in the second round of last year’s draft. The Georgia product is “a self-described dirtbag” according to a scouting report by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler and his toughness and versatility were two reasons why he’s a great addition to Detroit’s offensive line.
While Ratledge feels like a Dan Campbell guy and someone that could fill a hole at the right guard position following Kevin Zeitler’s departure in free agency, his plans were turned upside down when Frank Ragnow announced his retirement. The move doesn’t condemn Ratledge’s prospects, as there’s a good chance he becomes a long-term fixture in the trenches. But it also presents a challenge after he started cross-training at center during rookie minicamp.
Ragnow was one of the best centers in the NFL and arguably one of the greatest players in Lions history. A four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time second-team All-Pro selection, Ragnow was the anchor along Detroit’s offensive line and had the toughness that helped him play through numerous injuries including a broken throat.
The 29-year-old’s greatness is also more than accolades and folk tales. Pro Football Focus noted that his 91.7 career grade at center ranks seventh among players with a minimum of 1,000 snaps since 2006. The names in front of him include Nick Mangold (95.3), Jason Kelce (94.2) and Jeff Saturday (92.0) as well as Kansas City Chiefs center Creed Humphrey who currently ranks second with a 94.9 grade.
The Lions offensive also has questions around Ratledge. Christian Mahogany is projected to start at left guard while the right guard remains unsettled with Graham Glasgow the front runner.
While Ratledge has practiced at center before and has a strong skill set to accommodate the move, he has yet to play there in game action. The Lions likely had this in mind when they took him in the second round of the draft but an acclimation period could be a disappointment to fans that are hoping Detroit won’t miss a beat.