To shock the Lions, Frank Ragno, the All-Professional Center, retired on June 2. This left a huge gap in Detroit’s offensive line. However, the team is well drafted and can get the offensive line around.
Once the Lions lose Frank Ragno, rookie Tate Ratledge and veteran Graham Glasgow compete for center. Recently, head coach Dan Campbell praised Ratledge. He said the 24-year-old looked like a “starting NFL guard” in practice. All signs show that Tate Ratledge maintains a natural guard posture. Graham Glasgow used to play for the Lions Center. He has the ability to switch.
Tate Ratledge is expected to start using the Lions’ RG in 2025
Dan Campbell on Lions rookie Tate Ratledge
“Tate Ratledge looked like a starting NFL defender yesterday.” pic.twitter.com/eiad9ai9qi
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) August 14, 2025
The Lions won a second round pick at the 2025 NFL Draft, drafting Tate Ratledge from Georgia. He is an experienced offensive winger who spent five seasons with the Bulldogs. Ratledge won two national championships from 2022 to 2024. Tate Ratledge took over with the center’s starting offensive line as representative when the Lions began training camp.
Midway through August, Ratledge moved to the Lions’ right-back. In a joint practice with the dolphins on Wednesday, Ratledge started Detroit with RG. Head coach Dan Campbell spoke in the media on Thursday morning that Ratledge looked like a “starting NFL defender.”
Tate Ratledge traded materials 👀 pic.twitter.com/kwcnpz3lww
– Detroit Lions (@lions) July 30, 2025
Tate Ratledge made his preseason debut against the Lions and the Falcons last weekend. He made 15 passes on the court, allowing only quarterback pressure. The rookie’s outstanding debut. Detroit hopes that Ratledge is the player they can rely on for years. Both Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow will enter their 10th professional season in 2025, both with the Detroit Lions Club.
Last season, the Lions’ offense averaged 149.4 rushing yards per game. That was third in the NFL, behind the Ravens and Hawks. Detroit tends to run in 2024. Between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, the duo played 28 rushing touchdowns for the Lions. The team expects Tate Ratledge to be a starter for the plugin from day one, and he can help keep the offensive line consistent.
