The Detroit Lions' offensive line underwent significant changes with guard Kevin Zeitler and center Frank Ragnow leaving the team in the offseason. General manager Brad Holmes opted to use some draft capital to reinforce quarterback Jared Goff's protection, using the 2025 NFL draft's 57th overall selection on Tate Ratledge out of the University of Georgia.
Ratledge was initially projected to compete for the Lions' starting center job, but lost out to Graham Glasgow, forcing the ex-Bulldog to take over starting right guard duties. Week 1's clash with the rival Green Bay Packers was the rookie blocker's first taste of legitimate NFL action, and it's safe to say Ratledge's debut left much to be desired.
Lions RG Tate Ratledge Disappoints vs. Packers in Detroit Debut
A player won't ever forget his NFL debut, but there's a decent chance that Ratledge wishes he could. The 6-foot-6, 320-pound guard finished with a team-worst 37.3 Pro Football Focus pass block grade after allowing four pressures (3 hurries, 1 sack) across 67 snaps. Along with Glasgow and LG Christian Mahogany, he also failed to support the Lions' backfield, which averaged an abysmal 2.1 rushing yards on 22 carries.
An off-game isn't unusual for a rookie, but it's clear Lions fans were hoping for more in Ratledge's NFL debut. He obviously wasn't going to be as good as Zeitler or Ragnow right away, but he didn't come close to living up to the hype.
Detroit's coaching staff worked Ratledge out as a center and guard throughout the summer, making it clear they have high expectations for the Chattanooga, TN native. His versatility is a big reason why the fan base was all aboard the hype train this offseason; however, that doesn't change the fact that expectations might be tempered for now.
Protecting Goff is the offensive line's No. 1 priority, so Ratledge must prove himself sooner rather than later — especially if the Lions want to win the NFC North again. Green Bay's pass rushers created 20 pressures throughout the season-opening meeting, and that's without mentioning how three of its defenders finished with a PFF pass rush grade of 72.9 or better.
As disappointing as his NFL debut was, Ratledge must put his forgettable showing in the rearview before moving on. His next chance to win Lions fans over again will come when the rival Chicago Bears visit Ford Field on Sunday afternoon. He won't be facing anyone of Micah Parsons' caliber next week, meaning there is no reason for Ratledge not to turn things around at home.